By Adamu Yusuf
The Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association, Kaduna State Branch, has called on its members to continue giving back to the institution and supporting initiatives aimed at sustaining its development and legacy.
The association made the call at its 2026 Annual Get-Together and Awards Ceremony held in Kaduna, where members, government officials, academics, traditional rulers, captains of industry and distinguished alumni gathered to celebrate the achievements of the university and its graduates.
The annual gathering also provided an opportunity for alumni from different generations, faculties and departments to reconnect, strengthen professional relationships, promote mentorship, share knowledge and explore ways of contributing to the development of their alma mater.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Kaduna State Branch of the Alumni Association, Engineer Abubakar Gambo Umar, said the annual gathering was not merely a social event but an opportunity to strengthen the bond among graduates and renew their commitment to the development of Ahmadu Bello University.
He described Ahmadu Bello University as an institution that had shaped the character, knowledge and professional careers of generations of Nigerians, noting that its influence extended far beyond the university community.
According to him, ABU alumni are making significant contributions to national development in various sectors, including public service, the judiciary, medicine, engineering, education, security, agriculture, business and technology.
Engineer Gambo Umar said the achievements of the university’s graduates demonstrated the enduring impact of ABU and its contribution to the development of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
He expressed appreciation to distinguished alumni and guests for attending the ceremony, saying their presence was a reaffirmation of the love, loyalty and commitment they share towards the 
university.
Engineer Gambo Umar said the annual gathering would continue to serve as a platform for alumni to reconnect, mentor one another and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the university.
He urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals upon which Ahmadu Bello University was founded, stressing that the institution remains their common home and an important part of their professional and personal development.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the education sector and creating an enabling environment for institutions of higher learning to thrive.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, the Governor described Ahmadu Bello University as a strategic asset to Kaduna State and Nigeria, noting that the institution had produced generations of leaders, professionals, scholars, entrepreneurs and public servants.
He said the presence of ABU in Kaduna State had enriched human capital development, promoted research and innovation, stimulated economic activities and enhanced the state’s reputation nationally and internationally.
Uba Sani explained that the state government recognised its responsibility to provide an enabling environment for the university to continue fulfilling its mandate in teaching, learning, research and innovation.
He said the administration had invested in infrastructure within and around the university, including interventions in access roads, as part of efforts to support the institution’s development.
The Governor added that the government was rehabilitating and constructing roads, expanding urban infrastructure, improving transportation networks, strengthening the state’s security architecture and providing other critical public utilities across Kaduna State.
According to him, the investments are aimed at creating a safer and more connected environment that supports education, stimulates economic growth, attracts investment and improves the quality of life of residents.
The governor stressed that his administration’s commitment to education goes beyond physical infrastructure, saying it was implementing reforms aimed at repositioning education as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
He listed the initiatives to include expanding access to quality education, improving school infrastructure, strengthening teacher development, promoting digital learning and intensifying efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
He commended the Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association for sustaining the ideals of the institution through mentorship, philanthropy, networking and support for educational advancement.
The governor urged the association to continue contributing to the development of the university and the wider society.
He also recalled the founding vision of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, who envisaged a world-class university capable of producing and disseminating contemporary knowledge while generating ideas relevant to Nigeria and the world.
Governor Uba Sani expressed confidence that, despite existing challenges, Ahmadu Bello University would continue to make progress towards fully realising its founding mission.
The President of the Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association Worldwide, Mallam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, commended the Kaduna State Government for its intervention in the rehabilitation and construction of internal roads within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He described the intervention as a significant gesture that demonstrated the administration’s commitment to the development of the institution and the communities surrounding it.
Mallam Kontagora stated that the support would contribute to improving infrastructure within the university and create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
He conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Emir of his emirate, His Royal Highness Muhammad Balarabe II, to participants at the event, while expressing appreciation to the traditional institution for its support.
The ABU Alumni Worldwide President also commended the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, for his support, cooperation and understanding towards the Alumni Association.
He said the achievements recorded by the university under the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership within a relatively short period demonstrated that the institution was on a steady path towards greater development.
Mallam Kontagora expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani and his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, for supporting the construction and rehabilitation of roads within the university.
He also commended the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, for supporting research at Ahmadu Bello University.
The Alumni President described the PTDF as an important catalyst for the development of Nigeria’s petroleum industry and expressed pride in the contributions of ABU alumni to national development.
He said the theme of the gathering, “Building on, Celebrating Excellence, Advancing ABU Legacy,” provided an opportunity for alumni to reflect on the history and values of the university while considering their responsibilities towards its future.
Mallam Kontagora described Ahmadu Bello University as more than a place of learning, saying it was founded on the principles of mission, sacrifice, excellence and service.
According to him, the university has over the decades produced graduates who have contributed significantly to national development and global progress.
He said ABU had provided generations of students with opportunities to discover their potential, develop lifelong friendships and acquire values such as resilience, discipline, teamwork and service to society.
The Alumni President called on members to strengthen their collective efforts towards preserving and advancing the legacy of Ahmadu Bello University.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, commended the Kaduna State Government for what he described as the largest intervention by a state government in the university in the last four decades.
He said the intervention demonstrated the administration’s commitment to the development of education and the advancement of the institution.
Professor Ahmed expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani and his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, for their support, describing good leadership as one characterised by empathy, compassion and commitment to the development of society.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted some of the achievements of the university, saying ABU continues to rank among the leading universities in Nigeria and Africa.
He noted that students of the university had recently emerged victorious at a global Huawei competition in China, describing the achievement as evidence of the quality of education, innovation and talent being promoted at the institution.
Professor Ahmed said the achievement further demonstrated the capacity of ABU students to compete successfully on the international stage.
He assured stakeholders that the university would continue to strive for excellence and produce graduates capable of making meaningful contributions at national and international levels.
The Vice-Chancellor called on other stakeholders to emulate the Kaduna State Government by providing additional support to the university, particularly in strengthening its infrastructure and preserving its institutional legacy.
He said the continued partnership between government, alumni, industry and other stakeholders was essential to ensuring sustainable development of the university.
Professor Ahmed expressed optimism that with sustained support and commitment, Ahmadu Bello University would continue to record greater achievements in teaching, research, innovation and community service.
Guest Speaker Advocates Unity
The Guest Speaker at the ceremony, Professor Williams Barnabas Qurix, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, delivered a lecture on the theme, “Rediscovering the Unity We Live in Order to Restore the Unity We Need.”
The lecture formed a major part of the annual gathering and focused on the importance of rediscovering shared values and strengthening unity for the progress and stability of society.
Professor Qurix challenged stakeholders to reflect on the values that bind communities and institutions together and to work towards rebuilding trust and cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of unity and collective responsibility in addressing challenges facing society and advancing national development.
The lecture provided an opportunity for alumni and guests to reflect on their responsibilities as graduates of one of Nigeria’s foremost universities and their role in promoting peaceful coexistence and development.
The Chairman of the occasion was the retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, a Life Bencher and holder of the traditional title of Kuliyan Zazzau.
The Royal Father of the Day was the Emir of Lere, His Highness Engineer Suleiman Umaru Lere.
The event also featured a cultural display, special recognition of distinguished alumni, a photo session and presentation of awards to deserving individuals.
The Secretary of the Kaduna State Branch of the Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association, Dr. Hadiza Bello Abdullahi, presented the vote of thanks.
The ceremony brought together alumni from different generations and professional backgrounds, reinforcing the association’s commitment to strengthening relationships and supporting the continued growth and development of Ahmadu Bello University.
