By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Chairman of Dangote Group and Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano State, on Saturday launched a five-year Development Plan for the university with an initial sum of N15 billion.
Dangote announced the plan shortly after his second investiture as the Chancellor of the University at the 5th Combined convocation ceremony of the institution held at Wudil,near Kano.
He said the funds which would be managed through his Foundation, would be used for the construction of additional students hostels, a world class engineering laboratory, world class Computer Laboratory with 24-hour Internet service and a befitting Senate building.
Additionally, the Dangote Foundation would give automatic employment to best graduating students in his various companies across the country.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai, said over 18,000 students are graduating across various disciplines covering seven combined graduating sets.
Out of the number Yakasai said, 2, 950 Postgraduate students are receiving their degrees and Diplomas.
Also speaking, the Visitor to the university and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, pledged to complete all ongoing projects being executed by the State Government within the shortest possible time.
“We are committed to completing all ongoing projects initiated by the previous administration in order to enhance development and growth of the institution,” the governor said.
A total of five Eminent Nigerians who distinguished themselves in various spheres of human endeavours were conferred with Honourary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) at the event.
The awardees were Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Dr. Ahmed Adeniyi Raji(SAN),Prince Arthur Ikpechukwu Eze and Alhaji Mustapha Ado Muhammad.
In his remarks on behalf of the awardees, Senator Kwankwaso thanked the university management for finding them worthy of the honour.
He congratulated the graduating students and urged them to always be good ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves.