Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has lauded Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for sustaining the academic standards and legacy it has been known for since its establishment in 1962.
Radda, an alumnus of the institution, described ABU as a premier citadel of learning whose glory continues to reflect the vision of its founding father, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region.
The governor made the remarks on Friday when the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Katsina.
“The glory of the university is ever there; we are always proud to say we are the products of Ahmadu Bello University,” Radda said. “Any northerner, no matter where he or she comes from, must be proud of this premier institution.”
He noted that ABU’s contributions to the development of Katsina State cannot be overlooked, recalling former Governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s passion for education, which led to his support for the establishment of ABU’s School of Basic and Remedial Studies (SBRS) in Funtua.
Governor Radda thanked the delegation for the visit and pledged to attend the university’s forthcoming 45th convocation if his schedule allowed.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ahmed said the delegation was in Katsina to condole with the governor and the people of the state over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also sympathized with the governor on the road accident he recently survived, noting that the news of his recovery was received with relief and pride by the ABU community.
Prof. Ahmed expressed appreciation for the governor’s audience despite his busy schedule, adding that ABU remained proud of his resilience and service to the nation.
The ABU delegation included senior management and directors from the university, such as Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation; Registrar, Rabiu Samaila; Dean of Students, Prof. Sahalu B. Junaidu; and other directors of institutes and centres.
On the part of the Katsina State Government, Governor Radda’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Principal Private Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Turaji, and several commissioners and aides were present during the visit.
