The University of Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday received a N1bn grant to develop a Centre for Innovation and Product Development at its Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (UM-CEED) Complex, from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), as part of its first cohort of Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.

Presenting the grant award to the University management in Maiduguri, Aliyu Idi Hong, on behalf of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said the Initiative already begun the disbursement of the grants to the six universities in its first cohort with the University of Maiduguri being the third beneficiary after the Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Ibadan.

He further disclosed that the project initiation process and development of mutual accountability frameworks to guide the grant usage for the University’s Centre for Innovation and Product Development will commence immediately.

Reacting, Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Aliyu Shugaba praised the founder of the Initiative, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his consistent commitment to social good and philanthropy.

He also extolled the good works ASR Africa is doing in various communities across Africa, reassuring the representatives that the university’s management, Staff, and Students will forever be grateful to ASR Africa for this gesture.

Caption: Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, representing ASR Africa, receiving plans for the University of Maiduguri Centre for Innovation and Products Development from the School’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba during the grants award presentation by ASR Africa to the University.