Uniabuja seeks NEPZA’s support to establish special economic zone

The University of Abuja on Monday sought the support of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) for the establishment of a special economic zone in the institution.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’ Allah, sought the support when he visited the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba in Abuja.

Na’ Allah said that the establishment of a special economic zone in the institution would fast-track industrialisation, create jobs and drive economic development of the university as well as promote tourism.

“We in the University of Abuja are determined to work with industry and we have been working in synergy with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

“And now we are seeking the support of NEPZA because if we have this support with us, there is no doubt that some of the ambitions that we have will be given wings to fly.

“You can imagine us having an economic free zone at the university.

“On campus innovation is every day and we want to unleash this innovation.

“And the best way to do it is to have this free zone working with the private industry,” he said.

While expressing hope to establish the special economic zone as soon as possible, Na’ Allah said that it would focus on exploring the potential in agriculture, mining, tourism, Nollywood among others.

According to him, “most critical thing for us is to ensure that we have the place as a free zone and get it to first class that can be compared to any other in the world.

“We are going to use people within the university to develop something that is going to be a master free zone”.

Adesugba added that the special economic zone would provide the capacity needed to turn the natural resources in the university into wealth.

He said that Abuja University could become one of the richest universities in the world.

“This is because it is a size property, the size of Victoria Island, 10 minutes to airport and 25 munities to Abuja.

“It has mountains, rivers, flora and solid minerals such as gold but unless it is unleashed for the purpose of development of the university and Nigeria,” he said.