Don’t take the high-quality education you received from ABU lightly, Chancellor urges graduands
The Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha, has urged the just-graduated students of the institution to recognise that the high-quality education they received from the university is a privilege not to be taken lightly.
The Chancellor made the call on the occasion of the students graduation ceremony at the 45th convocation of the university held in Zaria on Saturday, 31st January, 2026.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Chancellor said while many of them would inevitably face life challenges, they would also encounter greater opportunities.
“I advise you to stay focused and resilient in overcoming difficulties, and to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available within and outside the country for your growth and our nation’s development”, according to him.
He said it was a rare opportunity given that many applicants were unable to gain admission each year due to institutional constraints.
While congratulating them, along with their parents and guardians, the Chancellor told them that they are the beneficiaries of education at the highest standards for which the university is known.
The Obi of Onitsha also encouraged them to maintain these standards and serve as role models for others.
The Chancellor further enjoined them to be active members of ABU Alumni Association wherever they are and that they should endeavour to align themselves with its commitment to the development of the university.
Equally, Igwe Achebe congratulated the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on her by the university.
Okonjo-Iweala, according to him, showed that solid education remained the best foundation for career success and pride.
He said her academic path greatly contributed to her lifelong efforts to improve the world for humanity.
“Your acceptance of this honour brings great distinction to Ahmadu Bello University and to herself”, he also stated.
The Chancellor expressed hope that Okonjo-Iweala would always proudly represent the values of the university and support the institution’s mission wherever possible.
He also said the university continued to progress steadily on the visionary pathway set by its founders as it gained notable recognition both nationally and internationally.
The Chancellor commended the Federal Government and its agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Education, NUC, TETFund, JAMB, and NELFUND for their support in developing tertiary education despite limited resources.
He also appreciated the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for reaching an agreement after several attempts.
“I commend the efforts of the Negotiation Committee, led by our able Chairman of Council, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, in steering the negotiations to the conclusion”, he stated.
He also expressed hope that agreements with the other university unions would be reached soon, stressing that together they would ensure lasting peace in Nigerian universities by ending frequent strikes.
The Obi of Onitsha stressed that the university was fortunate to have the present distinguished Council, headed by Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, and urged all members of the university community to fully support the Council and other university authorities.
The Chancellor also commended the Vice-Chancellor, his Management team, the Faculty, and staff for their dedication in supporting the administration.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (NEWS/NAM/SGB&PIC/TKU)
Thursday, 12th February, 2026
