Yusuf Donates N50m for Tech Innovation Hub at ABU Convocation
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a donation of N50 million for the establishment of a Technology Innovation Hub at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as part of efforts to boost youth empowerment, education and socio-economic development.
Governor Yusuf made the announcement while attending the 45th Convocation Ceremony of the university, held at Mamman Kontagora Square, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The proposed innovation hub is expected to be established through a partnership involving the Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Foundation (NOI Foundation) and AMA Pharmaceuticals Limited. The governor said the initiative is designed to strengthen leadership development, skills acquisition, education and inclusive growth among young Nigerians.
The donation was unveiled during the convocation ceremony where Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, received an Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree in recognition of her contributions to national and global development, public service and leadership.
Governor Yusuf described the intervention as a reflection of Kano State Government’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with credible institutions and organisations that promote human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
He explained that the initiative aligns with his administration’s people-focused development agenda, which places strong emphasis on education, women empowerment and youth development.
The governor commended the NOI Foundation for its record of impactful programmes in leadership training, mentorship, educational support and policy advocacy, particularly among underserved communities. He also praised Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Bello for spearheading the establishment of the hub through AMA Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Yusuf further described the collaboration between the NOI Foundation and AMA Pharmaceuticals as a landmark initiative capable of strengthening research, innovation and entrepreneurship among students of the institution.
Highlighting the potential benefits of the project, the governor noted that about 6,000 indigent students from Kano State are currently studying at ABU, adding that the innovation hub would indirectly support many of them through expanded learning and development opportunities.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Professor Adamu Ahmad, appreciated Governor Yusuf for honouring the institution with his presence and commended his commitment to advancing education in Northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, applauded the governor’s sustained investment in the education sector and his efforts towards improving academic standards and learning outcomes in Kano State.
The convocation ceremony attracted prominent academics, government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and students, who gathered to celebrate academic achievements and promote educational excellence in the country.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to sustain collaboration with development partners, foundations and civil society organisations in order to promote inclusive development and improve the living conditions of citizens.