The President/CE of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has promised to build the Aliko Dangote Sugar Research Centre in the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).
This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, in his speech at the 7th convocation ceremony of the Nasarawa State University on Saturday, 27th May, when he was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the university (NSUK).
Gambari said, “I have good news. Haven spoken with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, he has now agreed to build the Aliko Dangote Sugar Research Centre here at NSUK.”
The foremost philanthropist Aliko Dangote, international expert, and director of the Institute of Criminology, Warsaw Management University, Prof. Brunon Holyst, 93, were also conferred with the prestigious degree.
Earlier, while speaking as Chairman of the Convocation lecture on Friday, President/CE, Aliko Dangote, promised to look at the demands of the university in its quest to shape the trajectory of human progress and the future of society.
The convocation lecturer, Prof. Brunon Holyst, said the responsibility of universities goes beyond imparting knowledge, developing new ideas and fostering innovation and creativity and hinted at how universities can contribute to tackling issues of crime and criminality in society.
Aliko, who was Chairman of the 7th convocation lecture, said universities have a pivotal role to play in driving positive change through effective partnerships and collaboration, with critical stakeholders in line with NUC’s concept of the Triple Helix in Nigeria.
Represented by the GED, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, the philanthropist said the ADF would prioritize the demands to foster critical thinking, exploration of new ideas, research/analysis, internet connectivity and more to push the frontiers of knowledge.
ADF has over the years injected billions of naira into the education sector and continues to extend considerable support to various universities to assist government find solutions to the magnitude of problems bedeviling the sector, and society in general.
Aliko observed that society is confronted by challenges arising from population growth, accelerating urbanization, worsening environmental degradation, and unstoppable technological-induced change and called on universities to strive towards finding solutions to the problems.
For ADF, “it is currently considering the establishment of a University of Technology which will focus on the provision of new technological skills in key areas like engineering, agriculture, medical and digital sciences in the country.”
ADF has supported various universities, tertiary institutions and secondary schools for years – the N1.2bn hostel donated to ABU Zaria, multi-million naira Uni-Ibadan Business School, N1.2bn BUK Business School and the construction of N500m dormitories and power supply facilities, award of scholarship to thousands of secondary school students, training and skill acquisition.
