By Hassan Ibrahim The International Studies Alumni Association of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has held its first Annual General Me...
By Hassan Ibrahim
The International Studies Alumni Association of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), Book Presentation, Luncheon, and General Elections at the School of Postgraduate Studies Auditorium, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris J. Maiyaki, expressed his appreciation for the honor of chairing the occasion. He reflected on the university's history as a hub of radical ideology and a center for the political liberation and decolonization of knowledge in Africa. He emphasized that these attributes contribute to the distinctiveness and cultural sophistication of ABU alumni.
Dr. Maiyaki, who also served as the chairman of the event, highlighted the challenges faced by the NUC due to a significant gap between the demand for and supply of university placements. He noted that approximately two million students apply for university admission annually in Nigeria, but the 274 universities in the country can only accommodate between 500,000 and 700,000 applicants, leaving a considerable number of prospective students unplaced.
“As a policy response, the NUC has initiated a transnational education program inviting foreign investors to establish branch campuses, training centers, and other educational institutions in Nigeria,” Maiyaki explained, adding that these initiatives are subject to strict adherence to NUC regulations.
He also acknowledged the university's history of producing notable leaders, including presidents, vice presidents, governors, legislators, senior public officers, and diplomats.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the alumni association for their support and contributions to the development of the university. He encouraged members to visit the campus to witness the progress made over the years.
During his keynote address, guest lecturer Prof. Abdullahi Y. Shehu discussed the economic implications of potential withdrawals by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He warned that these countries could become arenas for global power struggles due to their evolving relationships with France, urging for a swift resolution to maintain regional stability.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, commended the Department of Political Science and International Studies for its role in nurturing the alumni association. He praised the leadership of the Interim President, Ambassador Muntari Abdu Kaita, for the association's growth and success.
The event featured goodwill messages, the presentation of plaques to distinguished guests, and the election of new executives for the association.
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