Obasanjo, Okonjo-Iweala to chair, deliver 45th ABU pre-convocation lecture

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will deliver a Pre-Convocation Lecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The lecture session, which is scheduled for Friday, 30th January, 2026, is to be chaired by Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006. She was the first woman to hold both positions.

During her first term as Finance Minister, she spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club that led to the wiping out of US$30 billion of Nigeria’s debt, including the outright cancellation of US$18 billion. 

The Pre-Convocation Lecture, which will take place at Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, is part of the 45th Convocation Ceremony.

The Convocation is billed to hold at Mamman Kontagora Square, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria on Saturday, 31st January, 2026

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Alh Awwalu Umar and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday.

According to the notification and invitation letter quoted the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, said, “The 45th Convocation Ceremony preparations were in advanced stage for the success of the event.

“The Chancellor of the university, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha, will attend the lecture, the university further said.

Also expected at the lecture is His Highness, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, the Emir of Zazzau.

Visiting vice-chancellors from both public and private universities are also expected to attend the Pre-Convocation Lecture and Convocation Ceremony.

Many prominent individuals, including captains of industry, seasoned bankers, and technocrats, will be present at the lecture.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, on behalf of Chancellor, Council, Senate, Staff and Students of the university, invites members of the general public to the events.