The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has donated a fully-completed Administrative Block worth N250 million to Al-Qalam University’s College of Allied Health Sciences, in Katsina under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs). This is at the official commissioning of the administrative building today in Katsina State.
This scheme is designed to bridge infrastructure gaps and foster academic excellence across tertiary institutions in Africa. So far, 30 institutions have benefitted with grant awards ranging from ₦250 million to ₦2 billion.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Nasiru Musa Yauri, thanked the management and staff of ASR Africa for finding the institution worthy of the donation. He said that the choice of the project and its location were strategic as the institution plans to extend its academic programmes to include the college of Allied Health Sciences.
The Vice Chancellor hinted that in a bid to commence full utilization of the edifice, the University has also formalized partnerships with major healthcare facilities across Katsina State to support clinical training for students of the university.
The MD of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, while delivering a special address, praised the management of Al-Qalam University for their support during the construction of the project. He mentioned that the partnership between the ASR Africa team and the Project Management unit of the University ensured that the project was completed within stipulated time. He expressed satisfaction with the completed project and appealed to the beneficiaries to ensure proper use of the facility.
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, H.E. Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D, represented by the State’s Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Faskari, while delivering his keynote address appreciated the Chairman of ASR Africa, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu for the investment in the State’s tertiary education. He mentioned that education is vital for the growth of any society, the reason the Governor has prioritized education in his administration’s agenda. He welcomed the dignitaries present at the event and other state executives present.
The Administrative block which was proposed by the university to support the establishment of its College of Allied Health Sciences, fully furnished offices for academic and administrative staff, as well as two conference halls, amongst others. It is designed to strengthen the university’s capacity as it prepares to offer degree programs in Nursing Science, Public Health, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Optometry, and Medical Laboratory Sciences. This project reaffirms the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu in supporting local solutions to local problems across Africa.
L-R: Alh. Bilya Sanda, Chairman, Katsina Islamic Foundation; Prof. Nasiru M. Yauri, VC, Al-Qalam University, Katsina; Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa; Barr. Abdullahi Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, Katsina representing the State Governor; Justice Musa Danladi, Chief Judge, Katsina State; Alhaji Aminu Lawal Marafa, Marafa Katsina, representing the Emir of Katsina during the tape-cutting at the official commissioning of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Administrative Building for the College of Allied Health Science in Al-Qalam University, Katsina recently.
