BREAKING: Dangote Pledges N15 Billion Investment in ADUSTech, Promises to Elevate University to Top-Tier Status
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has pledged a N15 billion investment in the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTech), Wudil, Kano State, as part of a five-year development initiative aimed at transforming the institution’s infrastructure and academic standing.
Dangote made this commitment on Saturday during the university’s fifth combined convocation ceremony, which also marked his official investiture as Chancellor. The event included the award of first and higher degrees, as well as honorary degrees to distinguished recipients.
In his address, Dangote reaffirmed his vision to elevate ADUSTech into one of Nigeria’s top three universities, promising a series of transformative projects to support this ambition. These include the construction of male and female hostels, the establishment of a world-class multipurpose computer laboratory with uninterrupted internet access, and the development of a mini solar power plant to ensure a steady supply of electricity to the university.
To ensure the success of the development plan, Dangote revealed that he will be providing biannual progress reports to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. He also commended the governor’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the education sector, describing it as a timely and strategic step toward solving modern-day challenges.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for Dangote’s longstanding commitment to education and announced his administration’s plan to construct new road networks and drainage systems within the university. He also disclosed that the nine best graduating students would be awarded automatic foreign scholarships.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, lauded Dangote’s consistent support for the institution, crediting him for playing a pivotal role in its growth and sustainability since inception.
“We have secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for 41 full-time undergraduate programmes, reinforcing our reputation for academic qualities.
“The University currently runs 45 full-time undergraduate degrees, 10 part-time undergraduate degrees, and 57 postgraduate programmes in 6 faculties and 37 departments.
“Our student population stands at 21,877, supported by 672 teaching staff (including 63 Professors and over 245 PhD holders) and 1,790 non-teaching staff.”
The combined convocation marked a major milestone in the university’s evolution and underscored its ambitions to become a leading center for science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria.