The Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovations and Entrepreneurship was officially commissioned on Saturday at the University of Maiduguri campus in Borno State. 

According to Vanguard newspaper, the establishment of the center is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of BUA Group, led by its Chairman and Founder, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu.

The commissioning ceremony marked the commencement of a series of programs lined up for the graduation and presentation of certificates to over 35,000 graduates from 2018 to 2021.

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, was also among the recipients of Honorary Doctorate Degrees at the 24th Combined Convocation ceremony in recognition of their contributions to the institution’s growth and development.

Shettima commended BUA Group for donating the center, highlighting its potential to complement the objectives of the Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Aliyu Shugaba, expressed gratitude to BUA Group and Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu for their generosity and support. He emphasized the significance of the center in promoting entrepreneurial training and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem within the university.

Alhaji Rabiu, in his remarks, reaffirmed BUA Group’s commitment to social responsibility and its efforts to support economic growth and development through initiatives like the ASR Africa Initiative. 

“The Centre comprised of digital fabrication laboratory and virtual manufacturing, mechatronics, Robotics and Drone laboratory, Incubator spaces, Innovator’s Lounge, Training rooms, External Researcher’s Den among others which will advance curiosity, knowledge and Enterpreneurship,” he said.

The University also bestowed Honorary Doctorate Degrees conferment on four distinguished individuals: Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, His Royal Highness the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman BUA Group, and Alhaji Dr. Dahiru Bobbo, the former Registrar of the University of Maiduguri, in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the university and society.