An Abuja-based group with interest in the socio-cultural and political development of Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Gwaram Abuja Residents Association (GARA) on Monday, appealed to the Federal Government to site the newly approved Federal University of Science and Technology, Jigawa State, in Gwaram Local Government Area.
The group explained that Gwaram is one of the two largest and most populous Local Government Areas, but lamented that it has no tertiary educational institution till date.
President of the group, Comr Hamza Mohammad who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of four new Federal Universities of Science and Technology, stating that it is a reflection of the commitment of the administration to the development of education and science in the country.
While he explained that less populous Local Government Areas in Jigawa State have been fortunate to have secondary educational institutions, Comr. Hamza explained that Gwaram needs federal presence, stating that situating the approved Federal University of Science and Technology in Gwaram will go a long way to facilitate the realization of government’s set goals.
In a letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari cited by our correspondent, the group said: ‘We commend the effort of your administration to ensure provision of education to the people of northern Nigeria, a commitment that has become evidenced in the approval for establishment of four new Federal Universities of Science and Technology across the country, with one in Jigawa State.’
‘We consider the establishment of the four new federal universities an evidence of the avowed commitment of your administration not only to the educational development of Nigeria, but also as a realistic commitment to the preparedness of government to strengthen the capacity of the country for scientific growth and development. Accept our good wishes, our dear president.
‘It is worthy of note that despite its large and populous characteristic, there is no larger tertiary educational institution in Gwaram Local Government when compared to other LGAs which are less populous than Gwaram.’
‘It may interest you to know that as a result of its large population, Gwaram LGA singlehandedly produced the Honorable Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Gwaram Federal Constituency. This shows that it is equivalent in population to three LGAs combined together.
‘Mr. President, it is on this basis and other factors, that we appeal for your kind consideration that the newly approved Federal University of Science and Technology, Jigawa State, be sited in Gwaram LGA so that the people from Gwaram and environs can access the educational opportunities afforded by the newly approved university, when established.’
The group also solicited the support of the Governor Abubakar Badaru-led administration of Jigawa State and well as the Federal Ministry of Education, adding that Gwaram Local Government has avidly supported the Federal Government’s efforts for peace and development, as it has remained violence-free as well as serving as a hospitable community that will deeply welcome federal presence via the establishment of the approved university.
