ASR Africa Initiative – the brainchild of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, on Thursday began redemption of its N1bn for initiating and upgrading of infrastructure in each of six universities selected from the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

Ahmadu Bello University became the first beneficiary.

Other beneficiaries in the first cohort of the intervention grant, according to a statement, are the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Maiduguri; University of Ilorin; University of Ibadan, and University of Benin.

Receiving the prototype of a hostel and departmental building to be constructed by The ASR Africa Initiative for N1bn at Ahmadu Bello University from Professor Kabir Bala, its Vice Chancellor, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Rabiu, who was represented by Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, commended the promptness in identifying projects that needed intervention.

“In view of this and starting immediately, we intend to be on ground to commence the project. We are hoping the other five universities can also quickly identify such projects with our team to fast-track the project initiation.”

Continuing, he expressed the belief of the ASR Africa Initiative “that this support will go a long way in bridging the infrastructure deficit in education within Nigeria and other African Countries in our cohort. We are excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead of Africa and because the Ttme for Nigeria and Africa is now, and business development is nothing without citizens’ development.

“On behalf of the ASR Africa Initiative, we look forward to commencing the work to build for the benefit of Africa’s children and her future,” he added.

Announcing the initiative on Monday, Rabius added pledged an annual US$100m Africa Fund for Social Development, in such sectors as Education, Health and Social Development, starting with infrastructure and capacity development, while supporting the efforts of various governments in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Photo caption: Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, representing Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, (right) receiving the prototype of Hostel and Departmental Building to be constructed by The ASR Africa Initiative for N1bn at the Ahmadu Bello University from Prof Kabir Bala (Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna) on Thursday.