In a significant announcement that challenges conventional narratives of state financing, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has revealed that the construction of the pioneering Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) University is being funded entirely from state savings, without resorting to loans or bonds.
The Governor made this disclosure during the groundbreaking ceremony in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area, framing the project as a direct outcome of sustained fiscal discipline. He attributed this newfound financial capacity to the economic and fiscal reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he stated have bolstered financial independence at the sub-national level.
“This marks a profound shift in our fiscal reality,” Sule explained. “There was a time when this state would need to secure a bond for a project worth just N5 billion, such as constructing a market. Today, we can undertake a N40 billion project like this university without borrowing a single kobo. We simply execute it.”
Deploying a ‘Future Fund’ for Present Gain
Governor Sule provided deeper insight into the funding mechanism, revealing that the money comes from a special savings fund he had been quietly accumulating for the benefit of a future administration. In a notable decision, members of the State Executive Council persuaded him to redirect a portion of this “future fund” to finance the landmark university. Demonstrating commitment, the state has already paid 50% of the total contract sum upfront to the contractor from these savings, with the balance to be sourced from the same fund.
A Pioneering Institution on the Global Stage
The university is not just another higher education project. It is positioned as the world’s first university dedicated solely to Public Relations and Leadership. Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the NIPR, hailed the move as one that repositions Nasarawa State from the margins to the centre of history on the global educational map.
Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, NIPR Vice President, elaborated on the innovative academic model, describing it as Nigeria’s first intentionally designed ‘Triple Helix’ university. This model integrates government, industry, and academia into a cohesive ecosystem designed to produce graduates who are immediately relevant to national development and the global PR industry. “The National Universities Commission (NUC) is excited about this pioneering model,” Dandaura added.
Project Scope and Collaboration
The project consultant, Arc. Shehu Tukur, outlined the scale of the development: a 100-hectare site with the first phase covering 16 hectares. Initial infrastructure will include the senate building, student hostels, staff lodges, and other critical facilities. Tukur assured timely delivery, noting that the upfront financial commitment from the state enables seamless execution.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Nasarawa State Government, the NIPR, and international partners. Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the state’s first civilian governor, congratulated the people of Nasarawa for hosting an institution that is a first of its kind in Africa, and potentially the world.
This development presents a compelling case study in sub-national fiscal responsibility and visionary investment in niche, high-value education, setting a precedent for how states can leverage strategic savings for transformative projects.
