Abdul Samad Rabiu (middle) with his friend Mohammed Indimi (left), at the ceremony in Maiduguri
The Industrialist and Philanthropist, Abdul Samad Rabiu, was on Saturday conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree along with Vice President Kashim Shettima and two other distinguished personalities for their services to humanity by the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) at it’s 24th Combined Convocation.
At the landmark event coinciding with the convocation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fully funded and constructed with a N1billion donation from his personal foundation, ASR Africa, was officially commissioned and handed over to the university in a ceremony presided over by the Vice President.
The centre, Abdul Samad Rabiu International Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a modern, state-of-the-art center that comprises administrative offices, dynamic workstations, creative conceptual hubs, a welcoming cafeteria, an extensive library, and an exhibition hall.
The centre which has a 150-seater hall also contained designed for high-profile presentations and academic conferences, further enhancing the University of Maiduguri’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development complex.
In his remarks, Rabiu who is the Chairman/CEO BUA Group, 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 1 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 on his part, highlighted the project’s significance.
Udoh 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.
Udoh also congratulated Rabiu, for his honorary award, his visionary leadership, and his commitment, towards driving sustainable development in Africa.
Many students of UNIMAID and alumni of the institution who turn up to cheer Rabiu for his unique intervention in the university, urged others to emulate his gestures of giving back to the society and complementing government in transforming the society.
The events was attended by eminent personalities including governors, religious and traditional rulers among others.
ASR Africa is the brainchild of the Industrialist established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.
