By Abdul Lauya
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, has donated N15 billion to the university for major capital projects.
Dangote made the announcement during the institution’s 5th combined convocation ceremonies held on Saturday in Kano.
He said the fund would support a five-year development blueprint aimed at transforming the university into a global standard institution.
The proposed projects include the design and construction of new student hostels and state-of-the-art engineering laboratories.
A world-class multipurpose computer laboratory with 24-hour internet access is also among the planned developments.
Other projects include a befitting Senate building and post-NYSC career support for high-performing graduates.
Dangote commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
He urged other wealthy Nigerians to join hands with the government in addressing educational and developmental challenges.
Justice Abdu Aboki, Pro-Chancellor of the university, lauded Dangote’s gesture, describing it as a major boost for the institution’s modernization.
He noted that the university is dedicated to producing graduates grounded in both character and academic excellence.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Musa-Tukur Yakasai said the ceremony marked the graduation of over 18,000 students across seven convocation years.
He praised the Kano State Government for clearing over N100 million in outstanding obligations and completing stalled infrastructure projects.
Yakasai added that all 45 academic programmes offered by the university are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also noted that the university’s research community has received increasing international recognition.
Yakasai explained that recipients of honorary doctorate degrees were selected based on merit and their significant contributions to the development of Kano and Nigeria.
Honorary degrees were conferred on notable figures including Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Author Eze, Dr. Adeniyi Raji (SAN), Ado Mohammad-Mustapha (Amasco), and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The event drew prominent personalities and dignitaries from across the country.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as Visitor to the university, congratulated the institution and the graduating students on their academic success.
He reaffirmed his administration’s support for the university and announced automatic employment and foreign scholarships for the top nine graduating students.
He said the scholarship allows the students to pursue postgraduate studies at any university of their choice abroad.
The governor also extended special congratulations to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, founder of the university, for his vision in establishing the institution.
Kwankwaso, speaking on behalf of the honorary degree recipients, expressed appreciation for Dangote’s generous N15 billion pledge to the university.
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal also received commendation for his promise to construct a 500-capacity female hostel on the campus.
All the honorary awardees pledged continued support for the institution’s growth and long-term development.
