L-R: Governor of Borno State Babagana Umara Zulum; Dr Alh Muhammad Ndimi; Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON) and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha (GCON) at the commissioning of the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the University of Maiduguri at the 24th Combined Convocation of the university held November 18, 2023 in Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday, November 18, conferred African industrialist, philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, with an honorary degree during its 24th combined convocation in recognition of his significant contributions to national development, education, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
In a landmark event coinciding with the convocation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fully funded and constructed with a one billion Naira donation from his personal foundation, ASR Africa, was officially commissioned and handed over to the university.
The Abdul Samad Rabiu International Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a modern, state-of-the-art center. It includes administrative offices, dynamic workstations, creative conceptual hubs, a welcoming cafeteria, an extensive library, and an exhibition hall.
Additionally, it boasts a 150-seater hall, designed for high-profile presentations and academic conferences, further enhancing the University of Maiduguri’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development complex.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, in his insightful speech, emphasized the center’s role as more than just a physical structure. He envisioned it as an innovative hub of ideas, creativity, and practical entrepreneurship.
Rabiu further reflected on the ASR International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s genesis, which was born from his deep belief in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship.
This commitment was further demonstrated by his substantial investment of one billion Naira in the center embarked upon by ASR Africa.
“In a world where economies are rapidly evolving and Nigeria strides towards renewed hope, centers like this are vital for development. They are the platforms for nurturing our future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We must not just learn; we must act,” Rabiu stated.
Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa, highlighted the project’s significance during his overview. He praised the center’s potential to spur economic and social growth, offering a global platform for innovative expression and fostering partnerships with leading international educational and innovation institutions.
ASR ICIE Building Maiduguri:
The recently commissioned Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the University of Maiduguri, Borno State
Dr. Udoh also lauded the Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his honorary award, his visionary leadership, and his commitment, towards driving sustainable development in Africa.
The events were held within the University of Maiduguri campus and attended by eminent personalities including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha (GCON), Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, Royal fathers, other distinguished guests, the student community amongst others.
ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.
