Africa’s Richest Man and Nigerian born, Aliko Dangote has unveiled a five year Development Plan for the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, (ADUSTech), Wudil, a Kano state owned Institution.
Dangote who made the commitment in Kano during the 5th combined convocation ceremony said, the N15 billion naira development plan will be executed through the Dangote Foundations.
Among projects to executed with the funds includes, the design and construction of males and females hostels, the establishment or world class multipurpose computer laboratory with 24 hours internet services and the establishment of a mini solar power plant that will provide constant electricity supply for the university.
He said the project would also involve design and construction of befitting Senate building as well as post NYSC enrollment of best engineering students.
The billionaire also promised to employ the best performing engineering students of the university in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Cement on graduation.
“Majority of you that you’ve done very well I will also guarantee you employment. The execution of this development plan will be carried out in close partnership with the Governing Council, with a proper project management delivery structure in place to ensure a stabilized execution on budget and on schedule.”
To ensure the proper implementation of the project, Dangote further stated that he will be briefing the Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf, on the progress of the project twice a year.
Dangote who received the investiture as the Chancellor of the university also promised to make the university one of the three leading universities in Nigeria.
“I urge people, especially wealthy individuals to help government in enrolling children to address the problem of out-of-school.
“Government can not do it alone. Public must also contribute for the overall development of our country,” he said.
He personally thanked Governor Abba Yusuf for investing in education by declaring a state of emergency in the sector a commitment to ending the menace of out-of-school children in the state.
Also, the Visitor of the Institution who is the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the approval of construction of road network and drainages in the institution.
He enumerated other interventions in the school and pledged continued support to the institution.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Musa Yakasai, announced that governor Yusuf had approved N2.1 billion to settle liabilities of the university.
He also disclosed that Dangote had settled electricity bills amounting to over N300 million for the institution.
He announced plans to introduce more programmes in the institution as over 30 programmes have gained accreditation.
While congratulating the graduands, the VC encouraged them to remain focus in life and be good ambassadors of the institution.
The convocation ceremony featured the the conferment of honorary Doctorate degrees to Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Prince Arthur Eze, Dr. Ahmed Raji SAN, and Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad.
About 18 thousand graduated from faculties in the institution.