BREAKING: Tinubu Approves Creation of New Federal University in Southern Kaduna

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Federal University in Southern Kaduna, aimed at increasing access to higher education in the region. The announcement was made by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit to Bishop Matthew Kukah, following the passing of his brother, Yohanna, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area. The new university is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to promote education in underserved areas.


In addition to the university, Shettima discussed ongoing federal initiatives aimed at uplifting Southern Kaduna, which include plans to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan. This move underscores the government's commitment to improving healthcare services in the region, addressing both educational and health infrastructure needs.


Shettima also touched on the recent appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff. The appointment is seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance security in the region, which has been grappling with various challenges. The Vice-President commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his efforts in fostering inclusive governance and pledged federal support for infrastructural development, particularly in road construction.


These efforts reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the developmental and security challenges facing Southern Kaduna, and the broader goal of promoting growth and inclusivity in the region.



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IPMAN Credits Increased Competition for Petrol Price Reduction


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has attributed the recent drop in petrol prices to increased competition between Nigeria’s two major refineries — Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited. Market data indicates that pump prices have seen a notable reduction across major retail outlets in response to lowered ex-depot prices from both refineries.


NNPC Retail, for example, reduced its pump price from ₦1,030 to ₦965 per litre, while other retailers such as AA Rano and AYM Sharfa cut their prices from ₦1,070 to ₦1,020 per litre. However, some retailers, including Conoil, have yet to adjust their prices, with the company continuing to sell petrol at ₦1,090 per litre, unchanged from November.


In an interview, IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, praised the competition between local refineries for stabilizing prices and improving availability. He pointed out that, typically, fuel prices rise during periods of high demand, but this time the opposite is occurring. The situation is seen as a positive development for both independent marketers and consumers.


Ukadike also expressed optimism about the future of the market, especially with the anticipated commencement of operations at the Warri and Kaduna refineries next year. He noted that this would further intensify the competition and potentially lower prices even more.


He also highlighted that independent marketers are now able to purchase directly from both Dangote and NNPC refineries, thanks to increased turnover and more flexible bulk purchase eligibility. Previously, Dangote had limited bulk purchases to 10 million litres, but this has now been reduced to 2 million litres, making it more accessible to smaller marketers.


This shift is expected to positively impact the availability and pricing of petroleum products across Nigeria, with further improvements anticipated once the Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries begin full operations. The combined capacity of these two refineries, which can process up to 560,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 60,000 bpd, respectively, is expected to lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products, potentially strengthening the country’s foreign exchange position in 2025.


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