Africa’s richest man and industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has pledged a whopping N15 billion to Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Kano State, for various capital development projects.
The billionaire businessman, who also serves as the Chancellor of the institution, made the announcement on Saturday during the university’s 5th combined convocation ceremony.
Dangote revealed that the N15 billion support forms part of a five-year development master plan aimed at upgrading ADUSTECH to global standards.
According to him, the plan includes the construction of new student hostels, cutting-edge engineering laboratories, a world-class computer centre with 24-hour internet connectivity, and a befitting Senate building.
He also announced the establishment of post-NYSC career opportunities for high-performing students, stressing the importance of creating enabling environments for academic and professional excellence.
Commending Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for his commitment to tackling the challenge of out-of-school children, Dangote called on other wealthy Nigerians to support government-led initiatives in education.
“Public contribution is essential for the overall development of our nation,” he said.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Justice Abdu Aboki, lauded Dangote’s generosity, describing it as a transformative gesture that would significantly enhance the institution’s infrastructure and academic capacity.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Musa-Tukur Yakasai, noted that over 18,000 students graduated during the combined convocations, celebrating their hard work and resilience.
He disclosed that all 45 academic programmes offered by the institution are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Yakasai also appreciated the Kano State Government for clearing a backlog of over N100 million in financial commitments and for completing abandoned projects within the university.
Meanwhile, the convocation featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on several distinguished Nigerians, including Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Author Eze, Dr. Adeniyi Raji (SAN), Alhaji Ado Mohammad-Mustapha (Amasco), and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the founder of the university.
In his address, Governor Yusuf, who is also the Visitor to the institution, congratulated the graduating students and pledged sustained government support.
He announced automatic employment and foreign scholarships for the top nine graduating students in recognition of their academic excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the honorary awardees, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to Dangote for his N15 billion commitment, describing it as a milestone in the university’s development.
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal was also applauded for pledging to build a 500-capacity female hostel.
