Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has pledged a N15 billion donation to support major development initiatives at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, in Kano State.
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Dangote made the announcement during the institution’s 5th combined convocation ceremony, revealing that the funds would go toward a five-year plan to elevate the university to international standards.
He said the investment would be used to build new student hostels, engineering laboratories, a fully equipped computer laboratory with 24-hour internet service, and a Senate building. He also promised job placements for outstanding graduates after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Commending Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for efforts to tackle the problem of out-of-school children, Dangote urged other wealthy Nigerians to support government initiatives, stressing that public-private cooperation is vital for the nation’s development.
In response, the Pro-Chancellor of ADUSTECH, Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd), lauded the donation, describing it as a major boost for the university’s infrastructure and academic environment. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musa-Tukur Yakasai, acknowledged the resilience and hard work of the graduating class, stating that more than 18,000 students had completed their studies across the last seven convocations.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians, including Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Author Eze, Dr. Adeniyi Raji, Ado Mohammad-Mustapha, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Governor Yusuf, while addressing the graduates, announced automatic employment and foreign scholarship awards for the top nine students, allowing them to pursue postgraduate studies at universities of their choice abroad.
