The FCT Administration would provide and maintain a first class infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory to enable Abuja continue to attract international attention as one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

The FCT minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, who stated this, last week, said the FCT Administration is determined to keep abreast of required developments to support the vision of positioning the Capital City to attain greater recognition.

Dr. Umar reiterated that the FCT Administration was working on a vision to make Abuja a dominant city in African affairs in all sphere of life; noting that the world economy is today knowledge based.

The Minister also said that the Abuja City University would provide an alternative destination to foreign institutions heavily patronized by Nigeria’s Government workers for sandwich courses as well as very suitable location for the many visiting foreign tutors.

According to him, the Steering Committee is expected to advice on the feasibility and viability of the City University project on the basis of a Public-Private-Partnership arrangement as well as on the academic orientation of the proposed University in relation to its location.

He assured that the Abuja City University would be privately driven with minimal government interference; disclosing that the FCT Administration’s stake and involvement would only be 20 per cent.

Dr. Umar revealed that the initial cost of the proposed Abuja City University would be borne substantially by the private sector, while running costs would be largely met from fees and corporate endowments.

He further stated that the main objective for establishing the proposed University is to provide a first class environment for higher learning in an accessible area within Abuja city.

The members of the inaugurated Committee are Professor Patrick Utomi, Chairman; Professor Munzali Jibril, Vice Chairman and Ms. Hauwa Yabani, Secretary.

Other members of the Committee are Monsignor Mathew Hassan Kukah, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah, Dr. (Mrs.) Virgy Anohu, Mr. Dele Olojede, Malam Bashir Ibrahim, Ms. Jamila Farris and Alhaji Hussaini Halilu Pai.

Responding, the Chairman, Abuja City University Steering Committee, Professor Patrick Utomi, thanked the Minister for finding them worthy to serve Nigeria is this capacity.

He gave assurance that the Committee would live up to the expectation of the minister.