Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has pledged an endowment fund of N250 million to New Gate University, a premier private university in Minna, the state capital.
The first N150 million will be contributed on behalf of the family of the late former Governor of Niger State, Engr. Abdulkadir Kure, while the remaining N100 million will be from the governor and his family, as he also identifies as part of the late governor’s family.
Governor Bago made this pledge during the commissioning of multiple facilities at New Gate University, including the Informatics and Innovation Complex named after former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, the 400-seat multipurpose auditorium named after the late Engr. Abdulkadir A. Kure, and a library named after former Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu. The event was held at the university’s main campus off Talba Estate, Minna-Bida Road.
Explaining the contributions, Governor Umaru Bago stated, “The first pledge of the N150 million endowment fund is on behalf of the family of the late Engr. Abdulkadir Kure and the second pledge of the N100 million endowment fund is on behalf of myself and my family.”
He added that, although he had refrained from publicly associating with the Kure family, he is indeed connected to the family.
Governor Bago also announced that the state government had secured scholarships from international partners across countries like China, Brazil, England, and the Pacific nations.
He committed to providing 50 scholarships for top-performing undergraduate students at New Gate University in fields such as medicine and science.
However, he expressed disappointment that the university does not currently offer courses in agriculture, which he emphasised as essential for achieving food security in Niger State.
The scholarship recipients will be sent abroad to study in countries like Canada, the Dominican Republic, China, and India.
Governor Umaru Bago, while congratulating the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of New Gate University, Malam Hassan Nuhu, emphasised the importance of prioritising education.
He remarked that Hassan Nuhu’s decision to establish a private university in Minna is a legacy that will outlive the institution’s founder.
The governor vowed that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support to sustain educational development in the state.
Governor Bago challenged the university to establish a Department of Agriculture, highlighting its significance as the backbone of Niger State’s economy.
He urged the Board of Trustees of the university to take ownership of the institution and to grow and develop it beyond its founders. He reiterated his administration’s determination and commitment to making Niger State the “Massachusetts of Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Professor Sadiq Yusuf, the Vice Chancellor of New Gate University, acknowledged the significance of the newly inaugurated projects.
He stated that these structures will enhance the institution’s capacity to provide exceptional education and resources, preparing students not just as job seekers but as job creators upon graduation.
Malam Hassan Nuhu, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, also spoke about the projects, noting that they reflect the institution’s commitment to educational development.
He reaffirmed that the university remains committed to producing well-educated graduates who will contribute positively to the growth and development of the state in particular and the country in general.
The Pro-Chancellor acknowledged the significant contributions of all those after whom the projects were named and praised the state governor for his impressive strides across various sectors of the economy since taking office just over a year ago.
Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, represented by Alhaji Suleiman Jibril, along with former First Lady of Niger State and former Senator representing Niger South in the National Assembly, Zainab Kure, who spoke on behalf of the late Engineer Abdullahi Abdulkadir Kure’s family, and former Minister of Education, Prof. Rukaya Rufai, who represented the family of former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, each expressed their appreciation for the honours bestowed upon them.
In their separate remarks, they commended the board, management, and staff of New Gate University, Minnesota, for the recognition and assured the institution of their continued support for its growth and development.
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