By Abu Faisal

Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, commissioned a Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Saturday, November 18th. The learning complex, valued at one billion naira, was donated to the University of Maiduguri by Abdul Samad Rabiu, the chairman of BUA International Group.

Named the Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) International Center for Innovation and Enterpreneurship the facility was commissioned at an elaborate ceremony that held in within the university campus as part of the 24th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the university.

Shettima, a graduate of the university, praised BUA Group for its impactful contribution to education, especially in the spheres of innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that the donation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

VP Shettima, cutting the tape to commission the ASR Center, while BUA CEO Abdul, Billionaire Business mogul, Indimi, and Governor Zulum keenly watched

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, expressed gratitude to BUA for the center. He highlighted the potential of the center to revolutionize entrepreneurial learning and training in the university.

The VC anticipates that the center will contribute to the goal of enterprise creation for graduating students. He further outlined the center’s potential to bolster innovation and entrepreneurship, enhancing collaboration and experiential learning.

“The new center will provide a platform for individuals and stakeholders to launch and grow new ventures, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The resulting social and economic impacts could be significant,” said Aliyu.

The ASR Complex, the most modern of all in the university

The center, established under the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, includes facilities for artisan work, handcraft, fabrication, robotics, and drone laboratories, as well as incubator spaces.

Professor Shugaba concluded his remarks by expressing the university’s deep gratitude to Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu for his generosity and support.

This ultra-modern learning center is expected to tackle the skills and craft deficit among youth and graduates in the university’s catchment area. By doing so, it aims to reduce the issue of joblessness, which often leads young people to engage in crimes and extreme social behavior. This is particularly significant in addressing the challenges faced in the northeast region, where such issues are prevalent.