NIPR University Funded from Savings, Not Debt — Gov. Sule
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has disclosed that the state government is funding the construction of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) University entirely from its savings, without resorting to loans or bond issuances.
Sule made the disclosure on Friday in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the institution, described as the world’s first University of Public Relations and Leadership.
The governor attributed the state’s financial capacity to ongoing economic and fiscal reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that improved discipline and prudent management had strengthened sub-national finances.
He said the era when Nasarawa State had to borrow as little as N5 billion to execute projects was over, stressing that the government now undertakes major capital projects independently.
According to him, even projects valued at N40 billion are now executed without recourse to borrowing.
Sule explained that funding for the university is being drawn from a special savings fund he had quietly built over time for the benefit of future administrations. He said the decision to deploy part of the fund for the NIPR University followed consultations with members of the State Executive Council, who persuaded him that the project aligned with the state’s long-term development vision.
He further disclosed that 50 per cent of the total contract sum had already been paid upfront to the contractor from the savings, with the balance to be sourced from the same fund.
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Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the governor for translating vision into concrete achievements, describing the project as a milestone that would reposition Nasarawa State on the global map of education and professional training.
He said the establishment of the university sent a strong message that the state had moved from the margins to the centre of history.
Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, congratulated the Nasarawa State Government and its people for hosting what he described as a pioneering institution in Africa and possibly the world.
He said the university would serve as a legacy project with far-reaching impact on leadership development and professional practice.
Vice President of the NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, described the institution as Nigeria’s first intentionally designed “Triple Helix” university, integrating government, industry and academia. He added that the National Universities Commission (NUC) was excited about the initiative, noting that it represented a landmark in higher education and professional development.
Earlier, the project consultant, Arc. Shehu Tukur, said the university would be developed on a 100-hectare site, with the first phase covering 16 hectares.
He explained that the initial phase would include the senate building, student hostels, staff lodges and other critical infrastructure, assuring that the project would be delivered within the contract timeline.
The NIPR University, when completed, is expected to position Nasarawa State as a hub for leadership, public relations education and professional training, while reinforcing the state government’s commitment to sustainable development driven by fiscal responsibility.
By PRNigeria
