Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has launched a new initiative titled "Lunch with the Vice-Chancellor", designed to foster ...
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has launched a new initiative titled "Lunch with the Vice-Chancellor", designed to foster leadership, character, and responsibility among students through direct engagement with the university's top management and notable professionals.
The initiative was formally unveiled by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, at the maiden edition held at the Yusufu Bala Usman Hall, ABU, Zaria.
According to a press statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the programme is intended to serve as a platform to inspire and cultivate the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
“This initiative is to produce leaders who embody knowledge, character, and a deep sense of responsibility,” Prof. Ahmed was quoted as saying during the event.
The Vice-Chancellor described the programme as a reflection of the university’s commitment to reviving the legacy of its founding father, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who envisioned ABU as both a centre of learning and a training ground for leaders with empathy, global perspective, and strong national consciousness.
“It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this forum, intended to be held twice yearly, will rise to that noble expectation,” Ahmed added.
He encouraged students to “seize the moment, learn, question, and be inspired,” stressing that the future of Nigeria rests in their hands and that the university is committed to helping them carry that responsibility with courage and vision.
Prof. Ahmed also described the event as a valuable opportunity for open and sincere interaction with a select group of students, aimed at strengthening bonds within the ABU community.
The Vice-Chancellor extended appreciation to Muhtar Bakare, Chairman of Alternative Bank, who delivered the keynote address. He praised Bakare’s personal story as one of “vision, hard work, and resilience.”
He also thanked Ahmed Zakari & Company for sponsoring the programme, calling it “one of the most successful and fastest-growing accounting firms in Nigeria,” wholly owned by ABU alumni.
In his keynote, Muhtar Bakare shared candid experiences of failure and perseverance, using them to inspire students to embrace challenges and pursue excellence. He urged them to leverage modern tools such as the internet and artificial intelligence to deepen their learning and leadership capacity.
“You are sitting on the necks of giants,” he said, encouraging the students to let their curiosity fuel interdisciplinary knowledge and vision.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed, a Senior Partner at Ahmed Zakariyya & Co and ABU alumnus, commended the Vice-Chancellor for the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of humility and leadership.
“This is a unique opportunity for students to engage with experts and mentors. I encourage you to make the most of it,” he told the student participants.
In a paper presentation, Professor Sulaiman A. Karwai of the Department of Finance emphasised the importance of vision, monitoring, and evaluation in leadership. He stressed that genuine leaders are more invested in empowering others than in advancing personal ambitions.
“Exemplary figures like the Sardauna of Sokoto didn’t just lead—they inspired,” Karwai noted, urging students to cultivate emotional intelligence and empathy as essential tools for transformational leadership.
The press release noted that the programme will be held twice annually, targeting students with strong academic records, leadership potential, and a demonstrated interest in contributing to nation-building.
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