The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria, is commemorating its 63rd anniversary with low-key celebrations, featuring special prayers at mosques and churches across its two campuses. According to Auwalu Umar, Director of the Public Affairs Directorate, the institution was founded on October 4, 1962, and has since grown to become a prominent federal university in the country.
ABU’s origin dates back to the 1959 Ashby Commission on Post-School Certificate and Higher Education, which recommended the establishment of a university in Zaria to serve the then Northern Region of Nigeria. The university was named after Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, who also served as its first Chancellor. The institution officially opened its doors on October 4, 1962, with Sir Norman Stanley Alexander as its first Principal and later Vice-Chancellor.
At its inception, ABU had four faculties – Agriculture, Engineering, Law, and Science – with 15 academic departments and 426 students. Over the years, the university has expanded significantly, becoming a federal university in 1975 under the Ahmadu Bello University (Transition) Provisions Decree. Today, ABU boasts 18 faculties, 110 academic departments, and a College of Medical Sciences, among other institutions.
The university’s growth and development are a testament to its commitment to providing quality education and research opportunities. With a vast array of academic programs and research centers, ABU has become a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, attracting students and scholars from across the globe. As the university marks its 63rd anniversary, it is poised to continue playing a significant role in shaping the intellectual and economic landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the anniversary celebration, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, is scheduled to address a press conference, highlighting the university’s major contributions to national, regional, and global development. The event provides an opportunity for the university to reflect on its achievements and look towards the future, with a renewed commitment to excellence and innovation. With its rich history and strong academic foundations, ABU is well-positioned to continue making significant strides in the years to come.
