Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Africa is a Foundation established by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu to provide grants for the development of the health, social, and education sectors.
So far, about 30 higher institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from the Tertiary Education Grants scheme of the Foundation.
The University of Ibadan was awarded a sum of One Billion Naira by the Foundation in 2021 for the construction of a befitting edifice for the Career Development and Counselling Centre as well as a multi-floor block of offices and lecture rooms for the newly established Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources.
Even though work had already begun on the sites, the symbolic turning-of-the-sod was performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, on behalf of the University and Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of ASR Africa.
Professor Adebowale appreciated ASR Africa for the generous donations.
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He noted that the edifices to be constructed would certainly add value to the University when completed.
Dr. Udoh equally appreciated the management of the University for the cooperation that the Foundation has enjoyed so far in the implementation of the projects.
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He especially thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership role and promised that the cordial relationship between the two organisations would be sustained.
Dr. Udoh explained that ASR Africa is the brainchild of Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON, the Chairman of BUA Group of companies.
He said ASR Africa was established to enable the philanthropist to give structure to giving.
He said University of Ibadan was selected as a beneficiary after a tedious process of selection based on ranking, vision, proper usage of existing donations, and the expected impact of the projects on the students.
He assured that the projects would be completed within the shortest possible time.
The MD/CEO assured the contractor, Alhaji Muntaka Aliyu, that his bills would be settled promptly but said he would be closely monitored to ensure a successful completion of the projects.
Other members of the ASR Africa team were Messrs. Kayode Adewakun, International Infrastructure Grant Specialist; and Nakama Keri, of the Multilateral Coordinating Group.
