Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Dangote Group, has unveiled a N15 billion five-year development plan for Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, in Kano State.
The announcement was made on Saturday, May 10, during his second investiture as Chancellor at the university’s 5th combined convocation ceremony. The plan, which will be executed through the Dangote Foundation, marks a significant investment in tertiary education infrastructure and talent development in Nigeria.
According to Dangote, the funds will be channeled toward several key projects including the construction of additional student hostels, a world-class engineering laboratory, a 24-hour internet-enabled computer lab, and a new senate building. These initiatives aim to elevate the university’s facilities to global standards and improve the overall learning environment for students.
He further revealed that the best graduating students from the university will receive automatic employment in Dangote Group companies across Nigeria—a move designed to encourage academic excellence and reduce graduate unemployment.
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Vice Chancellor Prof. Musa Yakasai disclosed that over 18,000 students were graduating from the university, spanning seven combined sets, with 2,950 of them receiving postgraduate degrees and diplomas.
Kano State Governor and Visitor to the university, Abba Yusuf, pledged to complete all ongoing government-led projects at the institution. He assured the gathering that his administration remains committed to the university’s growth, regardless of which administration initiated the projects.
Five distinguished Nigerians received honorary doctorate degrees at the convocation: Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Dr. Ahmed Adeniyi Raji (SAN), Prince Arthur Eze, and Alhaji Mustapha Ado Muhammad. Speaking on behalf of the honorees, Senator Kwankwaso thanked the university and urged graduates to uphold integrity and be exemplary ambassadors.
Dangote’s commitment is widely seen as a boost to educational development in northern Nigeria, and another example of the private sector’s growing role in advancing academic institutions across the country.
Crediblenewsng.com
