Africa’s richest man, Alh. Aliko Dangote, on Saturday unveiled a ₦15 billion development plan to accelerate academic growth at the state-owned university named after him, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Kano.

The multi-billion naira development plan, according to the President of Dangote Group, will be entrenched in five years, anchored on five thematic areas targeted to transform the varsity into a world-class center of teaching and learning.

Dangote, who spoke at the 5th combined convocation ceremony of ADUSTECH shortly after his investiture as Chancellor, hinted at the plan covering design and construction of a world-class engineering laboratory and design and construction of a world-class computer laboratory equipped with computers and a 24-hour internet facility.

The project, which would be handled by the Dangote Foundation, also includes the design and construction of a standard students’ hostel; the design and construction of a mini solar energy plant to supply uninterrupted power; and the construction of a Senate building.

The Chancellor equally pledged automatic jobs to the best graduating students in the Faculty of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences to fill employment opportunities at his petrochemical refinery, cement refinery, and agric plants.

Dangote had reminded the varsity of the modern challenges, adding that the institution must produce manpower resources that meet present market demands. He urged for an intensive centre of excellence focused on innovation, research, and technology.

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the immediate enrolment of the nine best graduating students on foreign scholarships to pursue their postgraduate degrees.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony, Governor Abba restated commitment to complete all capital projects and redouble support to upscale the standard of education in the institution.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, disclosed a total number of 18,000 graduands, including 2,950 postgraduate students, in the 5th combined convocation.

The VC further announced the conferment of honorary doctorates on five eminent Nigerians for their contributions to various spheres of human endeavours, including Senator Engr. Dr. Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso (Doctor of Science) and Alhaji Dahiru Bara’u Mangal (Doctor of Business Administration).

Others are Dr. Ahmed Adeyemi Raji SAN (Doctor of Law); Prince Arthur Eze (Doctor of Business Administration); and Alhaji Mustapha Ado Ammasco (Doctor of Business Administration).

Professor Yakasai applauded the support of business mogul Mr. Femi Otedola, who pledged to construct a 500-bed capacity hostel in the university.