The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has called on the university’s alumni to raise N5 billion within the next five years to support the ABU Endowment Foundation.
Prof Ahmed made this appeal on Friday, May 30, 2025, while receiving the National President of ABU Alumni Association Worldwide, Malam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, and his team during a courtesy visit.
The Vice-Chancellor described the alumni as key partners in the university’s growth and development. He said no Vice-Chancellor can succeed without strong support from former students. According to him, alumni are the “backbone” of any great institution, although this role is not yet fully recognised in Nigeria.
He noted that the university is currently facing serious challenges, particularly in the area of electricity supply, and urged the alumni to help address the issue. He also encouraged them to sponsor scholarships for students who are struggling financially. Prof Ahmed promised to work closely with the alumni association throughout his tenure and thanked them for their past support and commitment.
In his remarks, Malam Adamu Kontagora, the alumni president, congratulated Professor Ahmed on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and promised the association’s full support. He said the job of a Vice-Chancellor is tough, but with alumni backing, success is possible. Kontagora explained that alumni contributions are crucial to the growth of universities worldwide. He mentioned that the association already has a clear action plan and will soon share it with the university leadership. He also confirmed that an arrangement is in place to support the Endowment Foundation. Also present at the meeting were Prof Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and Prof Sani Abba Aliyu, Director of Advancement and International Education.
