The former military governor of Kano State, Colonel Sani Bello (RTD), has donated the sum of N50 million to the Ahmadu Bello University Endowment Foundation as part of his social responsibility to assist educational institutions in the country.
The donation, it was gathered, marks the second time the former military governor has contributed to the university.
A press statement by the university’s Public Affairs Directorate, made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday, stated, “The former governor initially donated N50 million to the University in March 2022 based on his strong conviction about the transformative power of education, especially at the university level.
According to the statement, “The donation was credited to the Foundation’s account on Wednesday, 3rd January 2024, a generous gesture acknowledged and appreciated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, and the entire University.
“Col. Bello’s unwavering commitment to educational transformation is evident through the companies he chairs and continues to chair. He ensures that his companies provide valuable assistance to universities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
A notable example is the establishment of the MTN-Library Connect at Kashim Ibrahim Library in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2010.
MTN equipped this digital hub with 120 computers, 2 servers, 3 databases, and a self-operated timer. Undergraduate students extensively use the facility to support their learning and research.
Similarly, his Mainstream Energy Solutions Company, which operates as an electricity generation enterprise, graciously provided heavily discounted electricity for Lagos State University in Lagos.
The Foundation aims to provide the University with much-needed financial stability, flexibility, and confidence to make capital improvements, build capacity in emerging academic areas, engage in cutting-edge research, and adapt to the changing needs of the institution’s students.
The Board of Trustees for the Foundation was recently reconstituted, with the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Ajiyan Katagum, CFR, as Chairman, along with other illustrious alumni and friends of the University as members.
The reconstitution of the Board followed the approval of the University Governing Council at its 194th (Regular) meeting held in February 2021, and the 12-member Board has since been inaugurated.
Additionally, the University has automated the alumni registration process to maintain close contact with its alumni from all walks of life, a genuine effort largely seen as a step towards harnessing the huge potential of the ABU alumni family to ensure the prosperity of the University.
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