ABU Staff School gets another annex at NAPRI in Shika
The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has inaugurated another site for the ABU Staff School at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in response to the needs of the Shika community.
The inauguration ceremony took place today (Saturday, 14th December, 2024) at NAPRI Forage Hall in Shika.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Bala explained that it is necessary for the University to respond to the need of the Shika community in establishing the school after several requests by major stakeholders.
Represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. H.I Bayero, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the request to establish the school would not have come at a more appropriate time than now that the economy of the country is faced with lots of challenges.
Prof. Bala maintained that primary education is the foundation, and for one to have sound education, the foundation must be laid without shaking.
He said the University had discharged its responsibility and proved its worth to the community by approving the school.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the people of Shika and neighboring villages to make their individual and collective contributions to the success of the school.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Director, NAPRI, Prof. Muhammad Rabiu Hassan, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for converting what used to be known as NAPRI private school to the Annex of ABU Staff School.
The Director noted that the establishment of the school will ease the suffering faced by pupils in Shika, Giwa and other neighboring villages in going to the Main Campus everyday.
Prof. Hassan called on the residents of the Shika community to continue with their support to the Institute to ensure the growth and development of the school.
In a remark, the Chairman of the occasion and Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello, stated that the event was a historic milestone that signified the collective commitment of advancing quality education in local communities.
Represented by the Director-General, Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Prof. Usman Abubakar Zaria, the Commissioner asserted that education remains the cornerstone of societal progress.
Prof. Bello affirmed that institutions like the ABU Staff School, through their community-focused initiatives, demonstrated how deeply rooted values of education can uplift communities.
According to him, the inauguration stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of Ahmadu Bello University to not only serve as a beacon of academic excellence, but also extends its impact to the communities that surround it.
The Commissioner appealed to stakeholders, particularly parents, to prioritize the education of their children, stressing that the future of the society depends on the investment made in young ones of today.
Also speaking, the guest speaker, Prof. Binta AbdulKarim of the Department of Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University, stated that the Dean Faculty of Education and his predecessors have contributed to the growth of ABU Staff School, whose graduates have grown to build Nigeria and the international community.
Prof. Binta described ABU Staff School as a household name globally just as the University, stressing that teachers that have shaped the journey would have their names inscribed in gold plates.
She said the evolution of ABU Staff School, NAPRI Annex is not accidental, stressing that the school is envisaged as an extension of the University’s commitment to community needs and its role as a global facilitator of global best practices.
Prof. Binta underscored that the administrators of the school should maintain the spirit of best practices already set by the older branches.
In a goodwill message, the member, representing Giwa East in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Adamu Muhammad Shika, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the Director NAPRI for bringing the school to their doorstep.
Hon. Adamu enjoined parents and residents of the Shika community to make good utilization of the school.
He pledged to give his own support to better the education of the upcoming generation.
The event was attended by Management Staff of NAPRI, community leaders and members of community-based organisations within Shika and other neighboring communities.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(AHW).
Saturday 14th December, 2024.
