Zamfara indigenes throw weight behind new university

Prof. Ruqqayah Rufai, Minister of Education 

Some indigenes of Zamfara state based within and outside the Federal Capital Territory, FCT said they are throwing their weight behind the new Federal University, Gusau.

This was made known to Nigerian Pilot at its Take-off dinner for the university yesterday by the chairman of technical committee, Prof. Lawal Suleiman.

Prof. Suleiman, who is also the vice-chancellor of the Usman Dan Fodio University, disclosed that they are having the dinner to see how they can contribute their quota for the smooth take-off the university in their State.

According to him, “We are discussing the take-off of the university. We want to see how we can assist federal government with the smooth take-off within the shortest possible time. The committee is not a federal government committee but that of Zamfara state. We are also trying to find a suitable site for the take-off the university.”

On the issue of funding, he said it is the bedrock of any university and they will see the possibility of them assisting the federal government in that area.

Exit gate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Also speaking, House of Representatives member, representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency, Zamfara state, Bilyaminu Shinkafi said his joy knows no bound because of the benefit of having a university especially a federal one in the state. He said having a university in the State is unquantifiable.

He further disclosed that Zamfara state remains the lowest beneficiary in the area of education and the proclamation by President Goodluck Jonathan is coming at the right time.

Hon. Shinkafi said, “We are very glad and ready to reap the benefits attached to the university. This meeting is a collection of people that matter in Zamfara state. We will do everything within our reach to ensure that graduates churned are of standard and gainfully-employed. In terms of graduates, we want them to be the best.”