Ahmadu Bello University to Honour 156 Staff, Units, and Alumni for Exceptional Performance

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has announced plans to recognize 156 individuals and entities for their outstanding contributions to the institution's growth and development. The list of recipients, approved by the University Management on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, includes staff members, research groups, service delivery units, and distinguished alumni.

The awards follow the recommendations of the University Reward and Recognition System Committee, chaired by Professor Sani A. Abdullahi of the Department of Finance. This marks the third edition of the exercise since its establishment in December 2023.

Highlight of Award Recipients

The 2025 honours list features several high-profile figures and academic high-achievers:

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year: Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen, GCON, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.

Overall Outstanding Performance Achiever (Teaching): Prof. AFD Kana, Department of Computer Science.

Overall Outstanding Researcher (Individual): Prof. Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun, Department of Biochemistry.

Overall Grant Fellow of the Year: Dr. Gloria Dada Chechet, Department of Biochemistry.

Researcher with Highest Number of Registered Patents: Prof. Mujitaba Suleiman Abubakar, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Institutional and Group Recognition

Beyond individual accolades, the university will also reward collective excellence:

Most Outstanding Research Group: Physical Chemistry Research Group, led by Prof. Adamu Uzairu.

Best Faculty Deanery Award: Faculty of Environmental Design.

Overall Outstanding Performing University Committee: University Task Force on Responsible Energy Use.

ABU Distinguished Ambassadors Award: Eight recipients of the 2025 Presidential NYSC Honours Award (all ABU graduates).

A Culture of Excellence

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, commended the committee for its rigorous evaluation process, which was based on nominations from heads of units and established scoring templates. He emphasized that these awards are designed to instill trust and motivate the workforce to maintain the institution's high standards.

Notably, the committee reported no nominations for the Overall Outstanding Performance Achiever (Non-Teaching), Integrity Award, or Sport Philanthropist of the Year for this cycle.