Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group and Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Wudil, has pledged N15 billion for various capital projects in the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote announced the largesse at the university’s 5th combined convocation ceremony held on Saturday in Kano.

Dangote hinted that the funds would support a five-year development plan to upgrade the university to global standards.

He said the planned projects included design and construction of additional student hostels, design and construction of engineering labs.

Other projects were the design and construction of a world-class multipurpose computer laboratory with 24-hour internet access.

He said others were the design and construction of a befitting Senate building and post-NYSC career opportunities for high-performing students.

Dangote also commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for his efforts to address the issue of out-of-school children.

He encouraged wealthy individuals to support the government’s initiatives in enrolling children and emphasised that public contributions were essential for the country’s overall development.

Justice Abdu Aboki, Pro-Chancellor of the university, appreciated Dangote’s generosity, stating that it would bring modern development to the university.

He stated that the institution was working hard to produce graduates with expertise in both character and learning.

Also, its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Musa-Tukur Yakasai, said the convocation ceremony celebrated hard work and resilience, disclosing that over 18,000 students graduated in the seven combined convocations.

He commended the Kano State Government for settling the university’s backlog of over N100 million and completing abandoned projects on campus.

The vice-chancellor explained that the recipients of honorary Doctorate Degrees were chosen based on merit and their contributions to the state and Nigeria.

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He also said that all the 45 courses offered by the university were fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC).

Yakasai, however, commended the state government’s commitment to supporting the university’s development, while adding that the university’s researchers had gained international recognition.

Those confered with Honourary Doctorate Degrees were

Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Author Eze, Dr Adeniyi Raji (SAN) ,Alhaji Ado Mohammad-Mustapha (Amasco),and Sen. Rabiu Musa kwankwaso.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony drew personalities from across the country.

Yusuf, also the Visitor, congratulated the institution and the students on successfully completing their studies.

He pledged continued support for the institution’s optimal performance and announced two exciting opportunities for the top nine students.

They were granted automatic employment and foreign scholarships to study at universities of their choice, recognising their outstanding achievements.

The governor also congratulated Kwankwaso, the founder of the institution, and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the institution’s values.

Kwankwaso, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude for Dangote’s commitment to investing N15 billion in the institution, which would facilitate its development.

Alhaji Dahiru Mangal also received commendation for his pledge to construct a 500-capacity female hostel.

The awardees vowed to continue supporting the institution’s growth and expressed their commitment to supporting the institution’s optimal performance.

(NAN)

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has facilitated the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre after offsetting their fines and compensation fees.

The release of the inmates was secured during an unscheduled visit by Governor Yusuf to the facility alongside top government officials.

The spokesperson to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said among those released were two pregnant women and two nursing mothers.

The Governor, during the visit, expressed concern over the growing number of inmates awaiting trial, disclosing that out of 1,939 inmates in custody, only 382 had been convicted, while 1,536 were still awaiting trial.

Yusuf stated that his administration would collaborate with the judiciary to fast-track the dispensation of justice and ease congestion in correctional centres across the state.

As part of the measures to enhance Inmates’ welfare, the Governor also ordered the immediate provision of cows, foodstuffs, matresses, blankets, and assorted beverages to the facility.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf also visited the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility where he announced the planned relocation of inmates from the overcrowded Kurmawa Correctional Centre to Janguza.

He further expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and general condition at Janguza facility, describing it as more conducive for rehabilitation efforts.

The Governor acknowledged the contributions of former Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd.) over his role in the establishment of the Janguza Correctional Centre.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing phased releases for inmates serving jail terms for minor offences, while also supporting those willing to return to school or acquire vocational skills.

The Northern Youth Congress of Nigeria (NYC) has honoured Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Trader, Executive Director of the Regional Sustainable Energy Centre of Excellence for Sub-Saharan Africa (RSECE), with its coveted Northern Elders Award of Excellence, “Garkuwan Marayun Arewa,” in recognition of his outstanding service to youth empowerment, national unity and social development.

The prestigious award, which translates to “Shield of Northern Orphans,” was conferred during a colourful ceremony at the RSECE headquarters in Abuja.

The event drew a cross-section of youth leaders, civil society groups, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

National President of the NYC, Ambassador Auwalu Mohammed Majiri, commended Dr. Trader’s enduring commitment to nation-building.

“This recognition is rooted in Dr. Trader’s consistent efforts to empower young people and his unwavering role as a bridge-builder in Nigeria’s journey toward unity and peace,” he said.

Dr. Trader, who has a storied career in public service and finance, expressed deep gratitude to the NYC.

He described the recognition as “humbling,” adding that his passion for uplifting the next generation remains central to his work.

“As someone who became the first Northerner to graduate at the age of 19, and having held top roles in the civil service and banking sector, I understand the power of opportunity,” he stated.

“Through RSECE, I continue to support youth initiatives and encourage entrepreneurship as a tool for nation-building.”

The award serves as a powerful endorsement of Dr. Trader’s leadership, humanitarian values and grassroots impact, particularly among marginalised communities.

His honour, according to observers, stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for others committed to Nigeria’s collective progress.