The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote has announced a five-year development plan for the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, (ADUSTech), Wudil, Kano State where he declared to spend N15 Billion on infrastructural projects in the university.
Dangote stated this in his speech at the fifth combined convocation ceremony for the investiture of the Chancellor, award of first degrees, higher degrees and honourary degrees that took place on Saturday at Wudil.
The global businessman who received the investiture as the Chancellor of the university also promised to make the university one of the three leading universities in Nigeria.
The projects he announced would include, design and construction of males and females hostels, the establishment or world-class multipurpose computer laboratory with 24 hours internet and the establishment of a mini solar power plant that will provide constant electricity supply for the university.
Dangote also promised to employ the best performing engineering students of the university in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Cement on graduation.
In order to ensure the proper implementation of the project, Dangote further stated that he will brief Governor Abba Yusuf on the progress of the project twice a year.
He thanked Governor Yusuf for investing in education by declaring a state of emergency in the sector, describing it as a means of addressing modern-day challenges.
Governor Yusuf, who is the Visitor at the occasion said his administration has approved the construction of the road networks and drainages in the university.
He further announced automatic foreign scholarship to nine best performing graduating students of the university.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Musa Yakasai, thanked the Chancellor for his efforts in sustaining the infrastructure of the university since its establishment.
He, however, noted that despite the achievements attained by the University, it is still confronted with infrastructural deficiency, especially students and staff accomodations, road networks and buildings.
The VC further highlighted the achievements of the University and how it had fared since its 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 Ph.D holders and 1,790 non-teaching staff.
“Our researchers have earned national and international grants, driving innovations especially in agriculture, technology, and education.
“Kano State Government had acquired an additional 100 hectares for campus expansion, including the construction of a new Senate Building,” he stated.
At the event, Honourary Doctorate Business Administration was conferred on Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal; Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was conferred Honorary Doctor of Science while Prince Arthur Ikpechukwu Eze also received Honourary Doctor of Business Administration.
Others are Dr Ahmad Adeniyi Raji SAN, Honourary Doctor of Law, and Alhaji Mustapha Ado Muhammad who received Honourary Doctor of Business Administration.