Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have finally decided to break an unspoken tradition by agreeing to a proposal to establish a federal university in Southern Kaduna.
The Vice-President disclosed this significant development during a condolence visit to the Kukah family over the weekend. The family is mourning the passing of His Highness Yohanna Sidi Kukah, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom. The late traditional ruler was also a family member of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, head of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
During the visit, Vice-President Shettima mentioned that discussions are actively ongoing about setting up a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, a prominent town in Kaduna State. This initiative, alongside the proposed university, is seen as part of efforts to address educational and healthcare needs in the Southern Kaduna region.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed that significant progress has been made towards the establishment of a federal university in Southern Kaduna. He revealed that, in collaboration with Senator Katung and a member of the House of Representatives, they had engaged with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the matter. According to Shettima, the President has given his approval for the initiative, marking a crucial step forward in addressing the region’s educational needs.
How This Would Help Southern Kaduna
The Vice-President further underscored the administration’s dedication to the growth and development of Southern Kaduna. He highlighted the appointment of General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff as a concrete example of President Tinubu’s focus on addressing the security challenges facing the region.
He noted that this reflects the administration’s understanding of the importance of security as a foundation for development. Shettima assured the people of Kaduna, particularly those in Southern Kaduna, that they remain a priority for the Tinubu administration. He emphasised that the President is deeply committed to their welfare and progress, encouraging them to have confidence in his leadership and vision for the region.
The Vice President took the opportunity to praise Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his inclusive approach to governance. He emphasised that effective governance ensures that all parts of society feel represented and belong.
He assured that the federal government would collaborate closely with the Kaduna State government to drive development in Southern Kaduna, with a particular focus on improving road infrastructure.
Southern Kaduna, however, remains one of the most marginalised and underserved regions in Nigeria, with little to no visible presence of federal or state government initiatives. The situation worsened over the past nine years due to repeated and ongoing attacks by sectarian groups, turning the region into one of the deadliest hotspots for killings and kidnappings in the country.
During the visit, Bishop Matthew Kukah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Vice President on behalf of his family for taking the time to visit and offer condolences.
