ABU Alumni Renew Commitment to University’s Growth, Celebrate Excellence in Kaduna

ABU Alumni Renew Commitment to University’s Growth, Celebrate Excellence in Kaduna

By Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Alumni Association, Kaduna State Branch, has renewed its commitment to supporting the growth and development of the institution, urging members to continue giving back to their alma mater and preserving its legacy of excellence.

The call was made at the association’s 2026 Annual Get-Together and Awards Ceremony in Kaduna, which brought together alumni from different generations and professional backgrounds, alongside government officials, academics, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other distinguished guests.

Held under the theme, “Building on, Celebrating Excellence, Advancing ABU Legacy,” the gathering provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, strengthen professional relationships, promote mentorship and discuss ways of contributing to the continued development of the university.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Kaduna State Branch, Engineer Abubakar Gambo Umar, described the annual gathering as more than a social occasion, saying it offered alumni an opportunity to renew their bond and commitment to the development of ABU.

He said the university had shaped the character, knowledge and professional careers of generations of Nigerians, with its graduates making significant contributions to national development in public service, medicine, engineering, education, security, agriculture, business and technology.

Gambo Umar urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals upon which ABU was founded, stressing that the institution remained their common home and an important part of their professional and personal development.

Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector and creating an enabling environment for institutions of higher learning to thrive.

The Governor described ABU as a strategic asset to Kaduna State and Nigeria, noting that the university had contributed significantly to human capital development, research, innovation and economic growth.

He said the state government had intervened in infrastructure within and around the university, including the rehabilitation and construction of roads, as part of efforts to create a safer and more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.

According to him, the administration’s education initiatives also include expanding access to quality education, improving school infrastructure, strengthening teacher development, promoting digital learning and intensifying efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

Uba Sani commended the Alumni Association for sustaining the ideals of ABU through mentorship, philanthropy, networking and support for educational advancement, urging members to continue contributing to the development of the university and society.

The President of the ABU Alumni Association Worldwide, Mallam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, commended the Kaduna State Government for what he described as a significant intervention in the rehabilitation and construction of internal roads within the university.

He said the intervention demonstrated the administration’s commitment to education and would contribute to creating a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.

Kontagora also commended the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Professor Adamu Ahmed, for his support and cooperation with the Alumni Association, saying the achievements recorded by the university under his leadership indicated that the institution was making steady progress.

He also acknowledged the support of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for research at ABU, while expressing pride in the contributions of the university’s graduates to national development.

Reflecting on the theme of the gathering, Kontagora described ABU as more than a place of learning, saying it was founded on the principles of mission, sacrifice, excellence and service.

He called on alumni to strengthen their collective efforts towards preserving and advancing the legacy of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, described the Kaduna State Government’s intervention as the largest by a state government in the university in the last four decades.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani and his Deputy for their support, saying the intervention demonstrated a strong commitment to education and institutional development.

Professor Ahmed said ABU continued to rank among the leading universities in Nigeria and Africa, citing the recent success of its students at a global Huawei competition in China as evidence of the quality of education, innovation and talent being promoted by the institution.

He called on other stakeholders, including government, alumni and industry, to provide additional support for the university, particularly in infrastructure, research and innovation.

The guest speaker, Professor Williams Barnabas Qurix, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, delivered a lecture titled “Rediscovering the Unity We Live in Order to Restore the Unity We Need.”

He challenged stakeholders to reflect on the shared values that bind communities and institutions together, stressing the need to rebuild trust, strengthen cooperation and promote collective responsibility for national development.

The occasion was chaired by the retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, while the Emir of Lere, His Highness Engineer Suleiman Umaru Lere, served as Royal Father of the Day.

The ceremony also featured cultural displays, recognition of distinguished alumni, a photo session and presentation of awards to deserving individuals.

The gathering ended with a vote of thanks by the Secretary of the Kaduna State Branch, Dr. Hadiza Bello Abdullahi, with the association reaffirming its resolve to strengthen alumni networks and continue supporting ABU’s pursuit of excellence, innovation and sustainable development.