Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, who also serves as chairman of Dangote Group and Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, has committed N15 billion toward several infrastructure projects at the university.
Mr Dangote made this announcement during the institution’s 5th combined convocation event, which was held on Saturday in Kano.
He revealed that the donation would be used for a five-year strategic plan designed to elevate the university to international standards.
According to him, the intended developments involve the design and building of extra hostels for students and the setup of new engineering laboratories.
Additional initiatives listed included the creation and establishment of a high-standard computer laboratory that offers “24-hour internet access.”
He further mentioned that the plans also involve the building of a suitable Senate building and initiatives to provide “post-NYSC career opportunities for high-performing students.”
Mr Dangote praised Governor Abba Yusuf for his dedication in tackling the problem of out-of-school children.
He also urged affluent members of society to contribute to the government’s efforts to enrol these children, stressing that contributions from the public are vital to “the country’s overall development.”
Justice Abdu Aboki, who is the Pro-Chancellor of the university, expressed thanks for Mr Dangote’s donation, describing it as something that will lead to modern progress at the institution.
He remarked that the university is putting in significant work to ensure it produces graduates who are well-rounded in both “character and learning.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Musa-Tukur Yakasai, noted that the convocation was a celebration of determination and effort, announcing that more than 18,000 students had graduated across the seven convocation events combined.
He acknowledged the Kano State government’s role in clearing a backlog of over N100 million owed by the university and for completing some previously neglected projects on campus.
The vice-chancellor also stated that individuals awarded honorary doctorate degrees were selected based on “merit” and their impactful “contributions to the state and Nigeria.”
He added that all “45 courses” offered by the university have been granted full accreditation from the “National University Commission (NUC).”
Mr Yakasai also praised the state government’s ongoing dedication to helping the university expand, mentioning that researchers from the institution had earned “international recognition.”
The individuals honoured with honorary doctorate degrees included Dahiru Mangal, Arthur Eze, Adeniyi Raji (SAN), Ado Mohammad-Mustapha (Amasco), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The event attracted distinguished individuals from “across the country.”
Governor Yusuf, who is also the official “visitor” to the institution, congratulated both the school and its students on finishing their academic programs successfully.
He promised continued backing to ensure the institution performs at its best and revealed “two exciting opportunities for the top nine students.”
These top students received both “automatic employment” and “foreign scholarships to study at universities of their choice,” in recognition of their excellent performance.
The governor also extended congratulations to Mr Kwankwaso, the “founder of the institution,” and reaffirmed his dedication to preserving the school’s core values.
Mr Kwankwaso, speaking on behalf of the recipients of the awards, gave thanks for Mr Dangote’s pledge of “N15 billion,” which he said would greatly aid the university’s advancement.
Dahiru Mangal was also acknowledged for his promise to build a “500-capacity female hostel.”
Those who received awards expressed their ongoing support for the university’s future and pledged to stay committed to the institution’s “optimal performance.”
