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Tag: ASR Africa

  • ASR Africa inaugurates 500-seat lecture theatre at Adamawa varsity

    ASR Africa inaugurates 500-seat lecture theatre at Adamawa varsity

    The Abdul Samad Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has inaugurated its completed 500-capacity lecture theatre at the Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State with four boreholes provided for the institution.

    The N350 million lecture theatre, which is executed under its ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme, provides sustainable and impactful educational infrastructure aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps across Nigerian universities, and beyond.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Augustine Clement, lauded ASR Africa and its chairman for his visionary philanthropy, which birthed the well-equipped lecture theatre. He said: “The university is thankful to ASR Africa and its chairman for this laudable donation. We will put the lecture theatre to immediate use to the benefit of our students and lecturers.”

    Managing Director, ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, in his speech, acknowledged the management of the school for fulfilling the various requirements to be selected for the project.

    In his words: “Today’s commissioning of this 500-seat capacity lecture theatre, here in Adamawa State University, is a testament to ASR Africa’s mandate of delivering on its promises to beneficiaries of its grants. It is also the demonstration of the commitment of our Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, who has been passionate about providing support in the areas of education, health and social development.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of ASR Africa at the event, Dr. Idi hong (Director, Government Relations), expressed appreciation to the management of the university for cooperating with the ASR Africa team to deliver on the project. He affirmed: “The 500-seat capacity lecture theatre which is being commissioning today, is a project that was dear to the heart of our chairman. And this is evident in his ensuring that it is completed timeously regardless of the recent economic headwinds that the country just survived. On his behalf, I urge the university to continue in its path of academic excellence for the good of the State and the nation at large”.

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    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in company of Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, thanked the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for supporting the State’s educational efforts with the lecture theatre. He stated: “This donation by ASR Africa, is commendable, and worthy of emulation. The lecture theatre could not have come at a better time than this, as it will provide the students better conductive learning environment, improve access to portable water within the campus and enhance the university teaching space for large lectures, conferences and other academic activities.”

    This project reflects ASR Africa’s ongoing commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, fostering academic excellence, and improving the quality of learning environments in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It is also in alignment with the Initiative’s broader vision of delivering sustainable, long-term impact in education as part of its mission to uplift and restore the dignity of Africans through meaningful development.

    During the university’s combined convocation ceremony (15th, 16th and 17th) today, the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his notable contributions and philanthropy interventions in the country. Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong (Director, Governor Relations, BUA Group) ably represented the Chairman at the conferment.

    The ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme was established to bridge infrastructure gaps and support academic advancement across African Universities. To date, over 30 institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from the scheme, with grants ranging from N250 million to N2 billion, supporting projects that embody impact, relevance, and sustainability.

    ASR Africa, the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

  •  Firm begins construction on N250m lab for Crescent varsity

     Firm begins construction on N250m lab for Crescent varsity

    ASR Africa   has   begun  the   construction   of   a  N250million   medical   science laboratory   for   Crescent   University,   Abeokuta.  

    The   laboratory   will   enhance   the capacity   of   the   institution   in   meeting   the   National   Development   Plans and Transformational   Agenda   (NDTA)   of   the   Federal   Government,   while filling the gap created by laboratory scientists, who left the country recently.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, expressed gratitude for the institution’s nomination by ASR Africa under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs).

    He lauded ASR Africa for the award of the grant and noted that the project is the university’s topmost priority, considering its drive to expand its College of Health Sciences programmes.

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    The   Managing Director/CEO   of   ASR Africa,   Dr   Ubon   Udoh,   hailed the management of  the  university for   their  academic achievements   and  systematic growth,   which   is   evident   by   the   addition   of   three   new   colleges   recently.   These colleges include the College of Environmental Sciences (COES), Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW) and the College of Health Sciences (COHES).

    Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of ASR Africa in ensuring a timely completion of the project. 

    The  N250  million  grant will provide  fixtures and  fittings for the medical  science laboratory which   features a  300  sitting  capacity  auditorium, offices  for Head   of Departments   and   lecturers,   lecture   /seminar   rooms.    

    It   will   also   cater   as laboratories facility for Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Biology, Hematology, Pharmacology/Therapeutics and Chemical Pathology.The ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme is targeted at supporting quality education   within   the   tertiary   education   system   in   Nigeria. So far   over   30 tertiary institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from this grant which ranges from N250 million to N 2 billion.

  • ASR Africa begins N250m lab at Unilag

    ASR Africa begins N250m lab at Unilag

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has kicked off the construction of the N250 million Abdul Samad Rabiu Laboratory Complex at the University of Lagos with a ground-breaking ceremony within the university’s campus.

    The grant is part of ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS) in support of higher institutions in the country aimed at improving the quality of educational services.

    The ultra-modern state-of-the-art complex, when completed, will accommodate a bioscience laboratory which comprises two wings of laboratories accessible by a central reception. Each wing will feature laboratory spaces, offices, modern workstations, six conveniences, kitchenettes alongside storage spaces.

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    At the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, who welcomed the ASR Africa team, expressed satisfaction with the level of support received thus far from the Chairman of ASR Africa, and the BUA Group. The Vice Chancellor stated that through this partnership, the university envisions a transformative impact beyond just a space for research but a hub where the brightest minds can collaborate, innovate, and discover. She said: “For me today is historic. This laboratory will attract global partnerships, enhance academic programs, and offer young scholars the resources to excel on a global stage.”

    In his response, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, lauded the university’s outstanding leadership, collaboration and dedication to this project. “This groundbreaking marks a significant step in our shared vision to advance research and innovation in Nigeria. ASR Africa’s commitment to education and sustainable development is rooted in our belief that empowering institutions like the University of Lagos is key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential and by large contributing to Africa’s growth,” he said.

    He further reiterated that ASR Africa is proud to be part of this journey with the University of Lagos and that together, both parties will build a sustainable foundation for future generations, ensuring that they have the access to the facilities and the platform to lead Africa’s transformation.

  • Students get ASR Africa award

    Students get ASR Africa award

    By Yusuf Mohammed

    ASR Africa has conferred the prestigious “Abdul Samad Rabiu Achievers Award” on 40 mentees from its mentorship programme in Al-Qalam University, Katsina State, Nigeria. The three-month mentorship programme organised for students of the Al-Qalam University ended with a closeout ceremony in the university.

    This programme, which focused on three thematic areas including career, personal, and entrepreneurial development, brought together female mentors from different walks of life, including the United Nations committee members, global experts from the Middle East, business professionals, media experts, and the ASR Africa subject matter specialists. These mentors provided insights to the mentees through real life training on topical issues as well as experience sharing.

    Speaking at the closeout event in Katsina State, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nair Musa Yauri, commended the Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his support to tertiary institutions in the country. Being a beneficiary of the N250 million grant of ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGS) 2022/2023, he applauded the management for adding value to the quality of education being delivered by the institution. He further applauded ASR Africa for organising and facilitating the mentorship programme for the institution’s final year students and added that he is confident that the students have sufficient tools to reach their full potentials. 

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    MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, thanked the institution for giving ASR Africa the platform to impact the lives of the mentees and to support the university.  According to  Ubon, this initiative fits into the vision of Rabiu and ASR Africa for the education  sector in Nigeria. He added that the benefits of human capital development cannot be overlooked as it enhances productivity, skill development, improved morale and innovation. He encouraged the mentees to utilise all they have learned from the programme and continue to engage as much as they can with the ASR Africa team whenever they feel stuck.

    The mentees expressed their appreciation to ASR Africa for the mentorship programme. They thanked the facilitators who devoted their time and resources to educate, motivate, and inspire them to greater achievements. Mentees were presented with Certificates of Completion, and the ASR Africa Achievers award at the end of the programme.

  • ASR Africa set for construction of hostel at FUTMinna

    ASR Africa set for construction of hostel at FUTMinna

    By Shehu Ibrahim

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) is set to begin the construction of a state-of-the-art hostel block for the Federal University of Technology, Minna(FUTMinna).

     The project, which is being executed under the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, will provide hostel accommodation for  students within the university’s main campus.

    The proposed hostel facility will accommodate 108 students with other auxiliary facilities such as laundries, kitchenettes, common rooms, and the warden’s room.

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    Speaking at the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed joy for having the university as one of the beneficiaries of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. He thanked Rabiu,  adding that upon completion, a large number of students will have access to hostel accommodation thereby reducing the number of students  exposed to insecurity and other vices outside the  campus.

    Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, hailed the management of the university for prioritising the security of  students amid the institution’s needs. In

    “The choice of this project will facilitate the relocation of the university’s temporary accommodations back into the main campus,” he said.

     Udoh urged  students to ensure proper use of the building which is constructed with state-of-the-art facilities.

    The hostel accommodation is designed to have an apartment styled accommodations with each room having an en-suite bath and water closet facilities. This model of each room having its independent convenience and shower has been found to engender hygiene and a sense of responsibility among students which is what the university aims to achieve.

  • VC hails ASR Africa for N250m project

    VC hails ASR Africa for N250m project

    Vice Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri, has praised the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) for  the construction of N250 million administrative blocks and a conference room on the institution’s premises.

    He noted that the project was one of its priority needs of the institution since it was set to launch its College of Allied Health Sciences for the academic year, thus the need for a befitting infrastructure.

     “Upon completion of this project, staff and students under the Bachelor’s Degree programmes in Nursing Science, Public Health, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Optometry, and Medical laboratory in the 2023/2024 academic year, will have lecture rooms and offices for their programmes,” he said.

    The VC thanked  ASR Africa for its timely intervention on the project which has taken off.

    The  project is the initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

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    In 2022, ASR Africa announced the launch of its 2023 Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGS) which covered 22 tertiary Institutions in the country  and Al-Qalam University was one of the beneficiaries.

    ASR Africa, the brainchild of Rabiu was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, education and social development within Africa.

    Managing Director of ASR Africa,Ubon Udoh noted  that education was a priority area of intervention, while  expressing commitment to supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    He hailed  the institution for cooperation with its  infrastructure team by providing prompt feedback and required documentation on the project to ensure take off. He assured them of speedy completion.

    Udoh added that the institution must focus on the sustainability of the project, and ensure it serves the purpose for which it was designed.