Nasarawa State on Friday etched its name into global education history as construction began on what is being described as the world’s first University of Public Relations and Leadership—fully financed from the state’s savings, without loans or bonds.
Governor Abdullahi Sule made this known in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, University, saying the project reflects a new era of fiscal discipline and self-reliance in the state.
Sule said Nasarawa’s capacity to fund the project internally was driven by economic and fiscal reforms that have strengthened financial independence at the sub-national level, attributing the shift to reforms under President Bola Tinubu.
He recalled that the state previously depended on borrowing to execute modest projects, but said that approach had changed significantly.
“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,” the governor said.
“Today, if we have a N40 billion project, we don’t go anywhere to borrow money. We just execute that project.”
Sule explained that the university was being financed from a special savings fund he had quietly built over time for the benefit of a future administration.
He added that members of the State Executive Council later persuaded him to deploy part of the fund for the establishment of the specialised institution.
He further disclosed that 50 per cent of the total contract sum had already been paid upfront to the contractor from the savings, stressing that the remaining balance would be settled from the same fund.
In his remarks, President of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended the governor’s leadership, describing the project as proof of his ability to turn ideas into tangible achievements.
He said the university would reposition Nasarawa State as a global destination for education and professional training.
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“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,” Neliaku said.
“Nasarawa State has become a centre of history.”
Also speaking, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the first civilian governor of the state, congratulated the government and people of Nasarawa for hosting the pioneering institution, describing it as a rare opportunity.
“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.
Vice President of the NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, described the project as a landmark in higher education and professional development, noting that it would break new ground in academic design and purpose.
He said the institution would be Nigeria’s first intentionally designed ‘Triple Helix’ university, integrating government, industry and academia.
“Your Excellency, this is the first specialised university in the world dedicated to public relations and leadership,” Dandaura said.
“It is also Nigeria’s first intentionally designed Triple Helix institution, and the NUC is excited about it.”
Earlier, the project consultant, Arc. Shehu Tukur, said the university would be developed on a 100-hectare site, with the first phase spanning 16 hectares.
He explained that the initial phase would feature the senate building, student hostels, staff lodges and other critical infrastructure, assuring that the project would be delivered within the agreed timeline.
“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,” Tukur said.
“We are fully committed to delivering the project in line with your vision.”
The university project is a collaboration involving the Nasarawa State Government, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and international partners.
NAN
