WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Deliver Lecture at ABU 45th Convocation; Former President Obasanjo to Chair Occasion

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), will deliver the Pre-Convocation Lecture at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

The lecture is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre on the ABU Main Campus in Samaru, Zaria. The event will be chaired by Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006, becoming the first woman to hold both positions. Her notable achievements include leading negotiations with the Paris Club that resulted in the cancellation of US$18 billion of Nigeria’s debt as part of a US$30 billion debt wipe-out.

The Pre-Convocation Lecture is a key component of the university’s 45th Convocation Ceremony, which is scheduled to culminate at the Mamman Kontagora Square on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

In a notification inviting the public to the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, confirmed that preparations for the event are in advanced stages.

Dignitaries expected to attend the lecture and ceremony include the Chancellor of the university, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha; His Highness, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, the Emir of Zazzau; visiting vice-chancellors from various public and private universities; captains of industry; seasoned bankers; and technocrats.

On behalf of the Chancellor, Council, Senate, staff, and students of the university, the Vice-Chancellor extends an invitation to the general public to attend the events.