Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, has announced that the state was funding the creation of the world’s first University of Public Relations and Leadership entirely from its internal savings.
The governor revealed this on Friday in Gudi, Akwanga local government area of the State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) University.
Sule attributed the state’s ability to undertake such a large-scale project without borrowing to economic and fiscal reforms under President Bola Tinubu, which, he said, have strengthened financial discipline and autonomy at the sub-national level.
“This used to be a state where if we needed just N5 billion to construct a market, we had to go and take a bond. Today, if we have a N40 billion project, we don’t go anywhere to borrow money. We just executed that project,” Sule stated.
The governor explained that the university would be financed from a special savings fund he had been quietly building for the benefit of future administrations. He added that the State Executive Council (SEC) encouraged him to use a portion of the fund for the university’s establishment.
Sule also revealed that 50 per cent of the total contract sum has already been paid upfront to the contractor from the savings, with the remaining balance to be covered from the same fund.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, praised the governor for turning vision into reality. He said the project would place Nasarawa State on the global map for education and professional training.
“You are sending a powerful message, not only to Nigeria but to the entire world, that Nasarawa State is no longer at the margins of history. Nasarawa State has become a centre of history,” Neliaku said.
Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the state’s first civilian governor, also commended the government and citizens for hosting the pioneering institution.
“When I first heard about this university, I congratulated the people of Nasarawa State for hosting an institution that is first of its kind in Africa, if not the entire world,” Adamu said.
Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice President of NIPR, described the project as a milestone in higher education and professional development. He noted that the university would be Nigeria’s first intentionally designed ‘Triple Helix’ institution, integrating government, industry, and academia.
“Your Excellency, this is the first specialised university in the world dedicated to public relations and leadership. It is also Nigeria’s first intentionally designed Triple Helix institution, and the NUC is excited about it,” Dandaura said.
Earlier, the project consultant, Arc. Shehu Tukur, revealed that the university will occupy a 100-hectare site, with the first phase covering 16 hectares. He said the initial phase will include the senate building, student hostels, staff lodges, and other key facilities.
“We assure you that the contract period will not be exceeded because whatever you are supposed to do with us, you have already done it. We are fully committed to delivering the project in line with your vision,” Tukur said.
LEADERSHIP reports that the university is a collaborative initiative between the Nasarawa State Government, NIPR, and international partners. (NAN)
