The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has expressed strong support for the establishment of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna, as promised by President Bola Tinubu. The forum emphasized that Southern Kaduna is deserving of such an institution to address decades of marginalization in the allocation of federal institutions in the state.

Reacting to a PUNCH Editorial published on January 7, 2025, which argued against the creation of new universities and advocated for better funding of existing ones, the MBF Chairman in Kaduna, Luka Binniyat, acknowledged the issues raised but highlighted the unequal distribution of federal institutions. He noted that Zaria, in Northern Kaduna, already hosts 16 federal institutions, while Southern Kaduna has only one, the Federal School of Statistics in Manchok, which offers certificates up to Higher National Diploma.

Binniyat pointed out that the establishment of a university in Southern Kaduna would not only provide educational opportunities but also serve as a catalyst for economic and social development in the region. “A university is not merely a place of learning but an economy and a development hub of its own with accompanied value chains that could dramatically spark unprecedented prosperity in its area of location and environs,” he said.

The MBF’s statement underscores the need for equitable distribution of federal resources and institutions to promote balanced development across all regions of Kaduna State. The forum urged the government to fulfill its promise and prioritize Southern Kaduna for the new university to address historical inequalities and foster inclusive growth.