Caption: From left, Governor of Borno State Babagana Umara Zulum; Alh Muhammad Ndimi; Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu and Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha, at the commissioning of the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the University of Maiduguri at the 24th Combined Convocation of the university held November 18, 2023 in Maiduguri.
The significant contributions to national development, education, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria by Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, were once again recognised on Saturday, as he was conferred with an Honorary Degree by the University of Maiduguri its 24th Combined Convocation.
In a landmark event coinciding with the convocation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fully funded and constructed with a N1bn donation from his personal foundation, ASR Africa, was officially commissioned and handed over to the university at the occasion graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, according to a statement, is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that includes administrative offices, dynamic workstations, creative conceptual hubs, a welcoming cafeteria, an extensive library, and an exhibition hall. It also boasts a 150-seater hall, designed for high-profile presentations and academic conferences, further enhancing the University of Maiduguri’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development complex.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abdul Samad Rabiu emphasized the centre’s role as more than just a physical structure, which he envisioned as an innovative hub of ideas, creativity, and practical entrepreneurship.
Rabiu further reflected on the ASR International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s genesis, which was born from his deep belief in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship. This commitment, he continued, was further demonstrated by his substantial investment of N1bn in the centre embarked upon by ASR Africa.
“In a world where economies are rapidly evolving and Nigeria strides towards renewed hope, centers like this are vital for development. They are the platforms for nurturing our future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We must not just learn; we must act,” Abdul Samad Rabiu stated.
ASR ICIE Building Maiduguri:
The recently commissioned Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa, highlighted the project’s significance during his overview. He praised the center’s potential to spur economic and social growth, offering a global platform for innovative expression and fostering partnerships with leading international educational and innovation institutions.
Dr. Udoh also lauded the Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the honorary award, his visionary leadership, and his commitment, towards driving sustainable development in Africa.
Besides the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, other dignatories at the event were Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Royal fathers, other distinguished guests, and the student community, among others.
