ABU VICE-CHANCELLOR HOSTS 100 STUDENTS TO LUNCH, URGES THEM TO LOOK BEYOND CERTIFICATES. (PHOTOS).

 ABU Vice-Chancellor Hosts 100 Students To Lunch, Urges Them To Look Beyond Certificates

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has hosted 100 students to a lunch, urging them to look beyond academic certificates and focus on creating value and making meaningful contributions to society.

The students participated in the university’s Lunch with the Vice-Chancellor programme held at the weekend, where Prof. Ahmed interacted with the select group and discussed the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities awaiting them both within and beyond the university.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university would sustain the annual programme because its greatest strength lies in its people.

“A university is not only its buildings, laboratories, and lecture halls; it is, above all, its people,” he said.

Prof. Ahmed urged the students to see their time at ABU as more than a period for obtaining academic qualifications, but as an opportunity to discover themselves, develop their talents, build relationships, cultivate character and prepare to contribute meaningfully to society.

“Do not define success merely by graduating with a certificate. Ask yourselves: What value will I create? What problem will I solve? Whose life will I improve? What legacy will I leave?” he said.

He noted that the world the students would graduate into demands creativity, innovation, courage, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.

He therefore encouraged them to take advantage of the university’s academic, entrepreneurial, leadership, sporting, cultural and professional opportunities.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” the Vice-Chancellor said, urging the students to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.

The event was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Musa Ishiyaku Mohammed.

It was also attended by several dignitaries, including former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Malam Garba Shehu.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Trobell International Nigeria Ltd, Lawal Garba, delivered the keynote lecture, while the Director of the CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, ABU, Zaria, Prof. Auwal Haruna, spoke on the theme, “What Happened After the Classroom?”

In his remarks, Prof. Ahmed appreciated Dr Mohammed and Garba, both distinguished alumni of the university, for accepting to participate in the programme.

He also commended the Directorate of Advancement, Student Affairs Division and Public Affairs Directorate for their commitment to organising the event and strengthening ties between the university, its students and alumni.

Earlier, the Dean of Students gave an overview of the programme and explained the process through which the participating students were selected.

Student leaders from the Students Representatives Council (SRC) and Postgraduate Representatives Council (PRC) commended the university management for preparing students for future responsibilities.

They also encouraged the participants to share the lessons and knowledge gained at the event with fellow students who were unable to attend.

Giving the vote of thanks, the Director of the Directorate of Advancement, Prof. M.I. Umar-Buratai, expressed appreciation to the chairman, speakers and other guests for honouring the university’s invitation.

Prof. Umar-Buratai also commended the Vice-Chancellor for initiating the programme, describing it as an avenue for encouraging students to develop self-confidence and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

He further acknowledged a pledge by the guest speaker, Lawal Garba, to refund expenses incurred by the university on the costumes used by students during the programme.

Umar-Buratai disclosed that Garba had also donated N5 million to facilitate the participation of ABU students who will represent Nigeria at the ENACTUS World Cup in Brazil in November.

The colourful event also featured friends and relatives of the guest speaker, including a delegation from Jam’Iyyar Matan Arewa led by its President, Hajiya Rabi Musa Saulawa, a distinguished alumna of ABU.

More photos below.