ABU’s School of Basic Studies Alumni Association calls on Council, Management
Members of the Executive Council of the Ahmadu Bello University School of Basic Studies Alumni Association (BASICO) have paid a courtesy call on the Governing Council and Management of the University.
The visit, led by the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Suleyman A. Ndanusa OON, had in attendance members from different sets.
Addressing members of the University Governing Council and Management, Dr. Ndanusa stated that all alumni of the School of Basic Studies (SBS) have branches and the way to strengthen the main body is to ensure that all the branches perform efficiently.
He said they were in the University as SBS Alumni Association, but part and parcel of the ABU Alumni Association.
Dr. Ndanusa, who was Chief Executive of the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosed that they are sentimental about BASICO because that was the first point of entry into the University.
He said it is time for them to give back to the University for they all became what they are today as a result of the influence of the University.
Dr. Ndanusa noted that the association is three to four years old, but they are seeking to collaborate with the University in areas of concern, stressing that their platform is filled up with former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Governors, Ministers and Heads of Government Parastatals, among others.
The Chairman emphasized on the significant progress they have made so far in mobilizing not less than 500 people, and that they have created a website to manage and showcase their online presence, saying that they project only ABU on the site.
According to him, to contribute to the financial plight of the University, BASICO had created an endowment fund, which will not compete with the existing ABU endowment foundation, but to increase the financial capacity of the University.
He stressed the need for the University Management to seek for projects sponsorship from industries and collaborate with alumni who are captains of industries in order to provide answers to industry-based questions.
Responding, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Ahmadu Bello University Governing Council, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed CFR, expressed gratitude on behalf of the University to the members for their gesture.
Alhaji Yayale decried the financial difficulties faced by the University in recent years, adding that last year it could only vote 10 Million Naira for staff and students medical support.
He attributed the development of so many universities to the significant roles played by alumni associations like BASICO.
He appreciated the Chairman and the executive members for remembering the University.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, welcomed the executives to the University and appealed to them to contribute to the University Endowment Foundation.
Prof. Bala explained that in Harvard University, alumni pay a minimum of 100 US Dollars per annum, saying that there is the need to enlighten other alumni on the importance of endowment fund in sustaining the system.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the BASICO executives of the University’s readiness to partner with them in areas of development.
Also speaking, an internal member of the Ahmadu Bello University Governing Council, Prof. Musa Abdullahi Mahadi, said it becomes necessary for alumni to give back to institutions, especially in times like this when funding is a challenge.
Prof. Mahadi said the University is currently facing electricity problem.
He thanked Chairman of BASICO and his executive members for their desire to give back to ABU.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(AHW)
Thursday, 5th December, 2024.
