In a remarkable philanthropic gesture, BUA Cement Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has donated a substantial N1 billion to establish the International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Maiduguri. Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the center on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.
During the university’s 24th combined convocation, both Vice President Shettima and Abdul Samad Rabiu were bestowed with honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of their contributions.
Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu as the university’s visitor, officially commissioned the center. He stated, “This center aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu administration for the rapid resuscitation and prosperity of the economy.”
Abdul Samad Rabiu emphasized that the establishment of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is a testament to the conglomerate’s corporate social responsibility and the ASR Africa Initiative. The goal is to accelerate economic growth and development in the country.
In his welcome address, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, underscored the dual significance of the center. Firstly, it provides a substantial and fitting facility for entrepreneurial training at the university. Secondly, it represents a crucial opportunity for a paradigm shift in entrepreneurial education.
Despite the university’s efforts, which include three months of entrepreneurship training for over 70,000 students, the realization of creating enterprises by students at graduation has remained a challenge. The Abdul Samad Centre aims to address this gap, cultivating a dynamic innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is poised to promote creativity, collaboration, and experimentation, marking a transformative step for the University of Maiduguri.
