Federal Government Commends ABU for Energy Efficiency and Innovation at 45th Convocation

The Federal Government has commended authorities of Ahmadu Bello University for addressing the institution's rising electricity costs through effective energy conservation. 

The commendation was contained in an address delivered by the Visitor to Ahmadu Bello University, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the institution's 45th Convocation Ceremony held in Zaria on Saturday, 31st January, 2026.

Represented by the Hon Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmed, President Tinubu stated that the measure by the university had resulted in lower expenses for the electricity costs.

President Tinubu urged ABU to develop a comprehensive energy policy for long-standing solutions towards sustainable power management for the institution. 

A well-formulated and implemented policy, according to him, would help the university address power challenges and serve as a benchmark for other institutions. 

President Tinubu also commended ABU for introducing the 'Lunch with the Vice-Chancellor' programme which provides a platform for open and honest conversation between the Vice-Chancellor and a cross section of student bodies. 

He stated that the initiative would strengthen community ties and help develop Nigeria's future leaders, characterised by knowledge, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. 

The President congratulated the university on emerging as the 'Overall Winner' of the 5th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NATAP-M). 

The award was accompanied by a N500 million mega prize from JAMB in recognition of ABU's extensive national outreach in the admission for the combined admission years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

He said the university had consistently achieved the milestone in fulfilling its vision and mission in teaching, research, and community service. 

In this regard, the President called on the university to ensure alignment with the Federal Government's Tertiary Institutions Governance and Transparency Programme. 

The programme, according to him, aimed to enhance accountability, transparency, and data-driven governance in Nigeria's tertiary education sector. 

He also stated that the initiative was a significant step taken by the Federal Government to modernise higher education management and ensure public trust. 

"It is gratifying to note that the university has taken the right path in this direction, which continues to place it among the best in the country. 

"I congratulate the university on this achievement and urge the authorities to maintain and exceed it", the President said. 

Turning to the graduands, President Tinubu congratulated and encouraged them to utilise their knowledge effectively and to seek further self-improvement. 

"The training and pre-graduation awareness talks on life after school that the university has given you will go a long way in helping you cope with post-graduation realities

"I am pleased to note that the university is fulfilling this goal of training job creators rather than just job seekers through the Students Enterprise Competition", he further said. 

He appreciated that the competition attracted over 300 student-led enterprise teams and offered a range of monetary prizes to serve as an incentive. 

The President congratulated the university authorities, staff, students, their parents and guardians, and all members of the university community on achieving the significant milestone. 

The institution's achievement, he also said, was a testament to persistent commitments to rigorous academic pursuits.