Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria has appointed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale-Ahmed as Chairman, Board of Trustees, ABU Endowment Foundation.
Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate of the university said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Zaria.
Mr Umar said the board was reconstituted following the approval of the University’s Governing Council at its 194th regular meeting in February.
He said the 12-member Board of Trustees comprised Chief Tony Elemelu, retired Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejireka and the former Secretary General, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Dr Mohammed Barkindo.
Others are ex-Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, a banker, Mohammed Hayatudeen and the former National President of ABU Alumni Association, Dr Henrietta Ogan.
Also included, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Salamatu Suleiman, Dr Suleyman Abdu-Ndanusa, Dr Abdullahi Aliyu, Dr Abubakar Abdu and Naja’atu Muhammad, while the Registrar of the university will serve as Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Yayale-Ahmed said the board would work collectively to achieve the purpose for which the foundation was established.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, commended the board chairman and members for accepting to serve.
Mr Bala said ABU, as the largest University in Sub-Saharan Africa, requires enormous resources for teaching and research, as well as operations and maintenance of the system.
“To say the obvious, the budgetary provision by the government – the proprietor – is grossly inadequate.
“The only other source is the student charges (not fees) which are too meager to make any reasonable impact,” he said.
The vice-chancellor said it was clear that the government could not provide the needs of its universities, as such initiatives were required to generate funding and support to the university.
NAN
