Gov. Yusuf Champions Innovation at ABU 45th Convocation, Donates N50 Million for Technology Hub.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline January 1, 2026.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, innovation and youth empowerment as he attended the 45th Convocation Ceremony of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he announced a N50 million donation for the establishment of a Technology Innovation Hub at the university.
The donation, to be facilitated through a strategic collaboration involving the Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Foundation (NOI Foundation) and AMA Pharmaceutical Limited, is aimed at strengthening technology-driven learning, research, entrepreneurship and skills development, particularly for young people and women.
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The announcement was made at the Mamman Kontagora Square during the colourful convocation ceremony, which attracted academics, policymakers, traditional rulers, development partners and students from across the country. The event also featured the conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree on former Minister of Finance and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to national and global development, public service and exemplary leadership.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf described the donation as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that technology, innovation and education remain critical drivers of sustainable development and economic competitiveness.
“This initiative reflects our administration’s belief in the power of education and innovation to transform lives,” the governor said. “By supporting the establishment of a Technology Innovation Hub at Ahmadu Bello University, we are contributing to the creation of opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills, develop innovative solutions and become active participants in national development.”
Governor Yusuf noted that the intervention aligns with Kano State Government’s people-centred agenda, which places education, skills acquisition, youth empowerment and social inclusion at the core of governance. He emphasised that partnerships with credible institutions and foundations are essential to achieving long-term human capital development.
The governor commended the Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Foundation for its consistent record of impactful interventions in leadership development, mentorship, education support and policy advocacy, particularly among underserved and vulnerable communities. He also acknowledged the role of AMA Pharmaceutical Limited and its leadership, singling out Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Bello for taking the lead in driving the establishment of the Innovation Hub.
According to Governor Yusuf, the collaboration between the foundation and AMA Pharmaceutical Limited represents a model public-private partnership capable of stimulating research, innovation and entrepreneurship within the university system.
He further disclosed that Kano State currently has an estimated 6,000 indigent students studying at Ahmadu Bello University, noting that the Technology Innovation Hub would indirectly benefit many of them through expanded academic support, innovation programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
“This is not just a donation; it is an investment in thousands of young minds who will shape the future of Kano State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmad, formally welcomed Governor Yusuf to the institution and expressed appreciation for his presence and support. He praised the governor’s leadership style and described the donation as a significant contribution to the university’s efforts to promote innovation, research excellence and entrepreneurship among students and staff.
Professor Ahmad noted that the proposed Technology Innovation Hub would enhance ABU’s capacity to nurture ideas, translate research into practical solutions and prepare graduates for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, lauded Governor Yusuf for his sustained investment in the education sector and his commitment to improving learning outcomes in Kano State. She described the donation as a timely intervention that complements the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen tertiary education and innovation in Nigeria.
The convocation ceremony served as a platform to celebrate academic achievements, institutional resilience and the enduring legacy of Ahmadu Bello University as a centre of learning and leadership in Africa.
In his closing remarks, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s readiness to continue engaging with development partners, foundations and civil society organisations to advance inclusive development, expand educational opportunities and improve the overall welfare of citizens.
He stressed that meaningful development can only be achieved through collective effort, visionary leadership and sustained investment in people, especially the youth.
Signed
Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
Director General,
Media and Publicity
Government House, Kano
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 2ND 2026)
