The Ahmadu Bello University ( ABU ) is a public research university located in Zaria , Kaduna State , Nigeria. It was opened in 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria. The university has four colleges, three schools, 18 faculties, 110 academic departments, 17 centres, and seven institutes with over 600 professors, about 3000 academic staff and over 7000 non-teaching staff. The university has over 400 postgraduate programmes reflecting its strife to become a postgraduate studies-centred university. The university operates from two campuses in the ancient cosmopolitan city of Zaria , the Samaru Campus where the Senate Building and most of the faculties are located and the Kongo Campus, hosting the faculties of Law and Administration. It has been adjudged to be the largest university in Sub-Saharan Africa , (next to Cairo University ) in terms of land occupied, owing to the numerous buildings it has.
72-707: As Nigeria approached independence on October 1, 1960 , its only degree-awarding institution was at Ibadan . The Ashby Report, published a month before independence, supported regional government proposals to add new universities in each of Nigeria's then three regions, and its capital Lagos . In May 1960, the Northern Region had upgraded the School of Arabic Studies in Kano to become the Ahmadu Bello College for Arabic and Islamic Studies, and following
144-419: A chancellor as its ceremonial head, while the vice-chancellor is chief executive and academic officer. The vice-chancellor is usually appointed for a five-year, non-renewable term. Faculties and courses offered by the university are Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under
216-648: A Nigerian control of the Public Service' senior positions such as permanent secretaries . In the 1930s, the Colonial Service administration became unified and controlled from London , rendering it the image of a unified empire . A consequence of the unified system was the recruitment and placement of officers into the Nigeria service was processed through the London office while little deliberation
288-543: A member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations , asserting its position as a newly sovereign state. Independence Day in Nigeria features events that commemorate the nation's progress and foster unity through nationwide celebrations. The day is marked by official ceremonies, cultural festivities, and public gatherings. A prominent feature of the celebrations is the military parade , showcasing
360-413: A national office at the university campus itself. Since the inception of the association, the governing council of Ahmadu Bello University has maintained a strong working relationship with the association to develop the university. Initially, the association was under the supervision of the deputy vice-chancellor of the university. Today it is directly under the office of the vice-chancellor and supervised by
432-419: A postgraduate school and 100 academic departments. It has seven institutes, six specialized centers, a Division of Agricultural Colleges, demonstration secondary and primary schools, as well as extension and consultancy services which provide services to the wider society. The total student enrollment in the university's degree and sub-degree programme is about 35,000, drawn from every state of Nigeria, Africa, and
504-610: A scholarship board provided grants to almost all Northerners with qualifications to enter universities. In 1957, administration courses were taught at the Institute of Administration in Zaria . Apart from trying to fill positions in the civil service with Northerners, political leaders in the zone also made it a priority to secure Northern representation in senior positions of the Federal service. To prevent loss of career opportunities,
576-580: A score of at least 180 in Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam. The Ahmadu Bello University is notable for producing prominent people and Nigerian leaders, including many former and current state governors and ministers. Amongst the alumni are: Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association is an alumni organization for former students of the Ahmadu Bello University. The alumni association
648-460: A sense of national pride. The day also provides a platform for reflecting on the nation's achievements, challenges, and aspirations since gaining independence. Outside Nigeria, the holiday is marked by Nigerian communities with cultural events celebrating their heritage. Global leaders often extend congratulatory messages, recognising Nigeria's contributions to regional stability and global diplomacy. British colonial involvement in Nigeria began with
720-627: A series of Independence Day speeches addressing Nigeria's economic challenges and military governance. His speeches frequently outlined government strategies, acknowledged the difficulties caused by the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), and urged public cooperation. Babangida emphasised economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and eventual democratic transition as core goals. In his 1986 address, Babangida discussed plans for self-reliance, economic liberalisation, and structural reforms, but public dissatisfaction grew due to
792-594: A statement policy on Nigerianisation. The council proposed that a new position, the Office of the Nigerianisation Officer be created and increased level of post-secondary school training of Nigerians so as to meet the needs of the public service. To ensure the success of the proposals three training programmes were to be instituted. Senior Training, Intermediate Training and Preliminary Training. Three major governmental bodies were charged with implementing
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#1732772222558864-445: Is often represented by the national president of the association in the governing council of the university. This is necessary for the association to make a direct input into the university's policies. The national body of the association currently has 17 National Executive Committee (NEC) members who manage the affairs of the association in alignment with the provisions of the association constitution. The incumbent national president of
936-433: Is that of hostels or Hall of residence as it's widely known. The hostels available for students are not capable of accommodating all the students interested in residing within the campus. As a result of that, many new students are stranded on the campus especially at the beginning of the session, and others that are lucky get squatting spaces with friends and family that have already gotten hostels. Ahmadu Bello University has
1008-462: The Commonwealth of Nations . The inaugural celebrations featured a formal ceremony in Lagos , attended by Nigerian leaders and international dignitaries. Observed across the country, Independence Day is marked by a variety of cultural and official events, including military parades , traditional dances, and flag-raising ceremonies. These celebrations highlight Nigeria's rich ethnic diversity and foster
1080-683: The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954, granted Nigerians increased autonomy and established a federal structure. Political parties like the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe , and the Action Group (AG), led by Obafemi Awolowo , emerged, representing regional and ethnic interests while advocating for independence. Constitutional conferences held in London and Lagos during
1152-562: The United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations shortly after independence, affirming its position as a leader in Africa and an advocate for decolonisation movements. On 1 October 1967, during Nigeria's seventh Independence Day, Yakubu Gowon delivered a speech emphasising national unity amidst the ongoing Nigerian Civil War . Gowon called for Nigerians to rededicate themselves to building "a strong united and prosperous Nigeria," appealing for reconciliation and inclusiveness. He highlighted
1224-466: The 'African posts' was referred to as junior posts but had little benefits. Since the 1930s, the number of Nigerians of Southern origin who were mission school graduates was increasing. The educated Africans including some on the civil service and the nationalists began to clamor for increased involvement of Nigerians in the senior positions of administration. Nigerianisation was shaped as a fight against discrimination and colonialism . Prior to 1948,
1296-605: The 1930s, became a platform for pan-Nigerian nationalism, focusing on political and educational reforms. By the 1940s, nationalist efforts intensified, prompting the British to introduce reforms such as the Richards Constitution of 1946, which created regional assemblies and expanded Nigerian representation in governance. Subsequent reforms, including the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 and
1368-723: The 1950s brought together regional leaders and British officials to negotiate Nigeria's future governance structures. Following the 1959 federal election, in which the Northern People's Congress (NPC) won the most seats, a coalition government was formed with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister, paving the way for independence. Nigeria officially gained independence on 1 October 1960, ending British colonial rule. The independence ceremony in Lagos featured international dignitaries, including Princess Alexandra of Kent , who presented constitutional documents on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II . Nigeria's new green and white flag
1440-865: The Ashby Report, it was decided to create a University of Northern Nigeria at Zaria rather than Kano. The new university was to take over facilities of the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology at Samaru ; the Ahmadu Bello College in Kano ; the Agricultural Research Institute at Samaru; the Institute of Administration at Zaria, and the Veterinary Research Institute at Vom on the Jos Plateau . Legislation establishing
1512-530: The Institution faces. These challenges vary from one section to another. For instance, in terms of infrastructure, the school does not have enough classrooms for the students from some sections. Based on that, clashes occur on venues especially in the morning when most classes hold. Again, even for sections that have classrooms, those classes tend to be unfit for the number of the students. Another challenge that has not yet been checked relating to infrastructure
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#17327722225581584-554: The Nigerian federation. Professorial staffing to serve the burgeoning student enrollments and course offerings was a potential limitation during this period. In the early 1970s relatively abundant funding made it possible to send some senior academic staff to overseas institutions to complete advanced degrees. A small but increasing number of Nigerians with Ph.D.s or other advanced degrees were returning from abroad but ABU had to compete with other Nigerian universities to recruit them. In
1656-792: The SAP's effects, including inflation and unemployment. His speeches reflected the administration's attempt to maintain public support amid socio-economic difficulties. Delivered with a formal tone, these broadcasts sought to frame the military government's policies as necessary for Nigeria's eventual progress. On 26 September 1992, a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Lagos, killing approximately 160 passengers, including military officers and foreign dignitaries. The crash deeply affected national sentiment as it occurred just days before Nigeria's 32nd Independence Day celebrations. President Ibrahim Babangida cancelled all scheduled Independence Day events, including
1728-563: The School of Basic Studies could matriculate and complete a bachelor's degree in four years. Despite opposition to the School of Basic Studies, it provided a stream of candidates for degree courses and the university expanded rapidly. Ten years after being founded there were over 7,000 students, over half in degree programs and 2,333 had graduated. The University of Ibadan had graduated only 615 in its first ten years. Kongo campus, close to Zaria old city taught public administration and provided in-service training for local government throughout
1800-558: The South. Due to political considerations, leaders in the region limited the recruitment of Southerners into the Northern regional service and found ways to push up the ranks of northerners in junior and senior positions. The leaders retained the services of expatriates, because Northerners regarded expatriates as transients but feared southern domination of the regional civil service. Measures were put in place to train northerners; in 1949,
1872-478: The alumni association is Ahmed Tijani Mora , a renowned pharmacist and former registrar and chief executive officer of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria . The alumni association was founded in the early 1960s by the graduating class which included architect Chief Fola Alade , Chief Lai Balogun and Professor Ayodele Awojobi . Today, the alumni association has branches across the federation with
1944-645: The annexation of Lagos in 1861. By 1914, the British unified the Northern and Southern protectorates, along with the Colony of Lagos , to form Nigeria, introducing a centralised administrative framework. In the early 20th century, nationalist movements emerged to challenge colonial rule. Herbert Macaulay spearheaded early efforts in Lagos, advocating for constitutional reforms and increased representation for Nigerians. The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), founded in
2016-411: The civil service cadre will lead to marginalization of Northerners. In early 1952, a new Council of Ministers was inaugurated, the first in the country to be dominated by Nigerians. The ministers chose Nigerianisation as a key policy to pursue. In March 1952, the council appointed a commission jointly led by Simeon Adebo and Sydney Phillipson to review the process of the recruiting more Nigerians into
2088-418: The civil service was publicly used in the country. Among the recommendations of the commission include: advertisement of vacancies to Nigerians abroad, promotion based on merit but excluding non-Nigerians on secondment, that non-Nigerians should not be recommended to fill newly created posts or posts in new departments, that contract terms should be the first option in recruiting non-Nigerians. However, just like
2160-494: The civil service. In the commission's report released a year later, it noted that between 1948 and 1953, the number of Africans in senior positions increased from 245 to 685 but also the number of expatriates increased from 2,296 to 2,984. In conclusion, the commission gave far reaching recommendations. The report's title was "The Nigerianisation of the Civil Service", this was the first time the expression, Nigeriansation of
2232-532: The commission published its report, the regional political leadership in Southern Nigeria were not convinced that enough qualified Nigerians were being recruited into the civil service. This sentiment varied in the predominantly Islamic North where indirect rule was a tool of governance, Western education was limited and thus the number of qualified Northerners were few. The Northern regional government feared that progressive recruitment of Nigerians into
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2304-508: The creation of a Public Service Board to work in conjunction with the Civil Service Commission to implement its proposals. During the same year, a revamped constitution established regionalized government in Nigeria limiting the implementation of Foot's proposals. The new system also increased the level of participation in political development by educated Nigerians who opted not to join the civil service. A few years after
2376-401: The customary presidential address and military parade, as a mark of respect. Describing the crash as a profound loss for the armed forces, Babangida highlighted its impact on a "whole generation of military officers." The 1992 crash remains one of the most significant national tragedies to have interrupted Independence Day observances. On 1 October 2010, Nigeria's 50th Independence anniversary
2448-788: The day, symbolising optimism for the nation's future. Nigerian Independence Day is also celebrated by the Nigerian diaspora in countries such as the United States , the United Kingdom , and Canada . In the United Kingdom, Nigerians commemorate the occasion with parades and cultural exhibitions. For example, in 2022, a march through central London included stops at Trafalgar Square , the Nigerian High Commission , and 10 Downing Street , highlighting
2520-517: The discipline of the armed forces and often accompanied by military bands. Traditional dances, music performances, and displays of ethnic heritage further highlight Nigeria's cultural diversity. The ceremonial raising of the Nigerian flag symbolises national sovereignty and unity. The President of Nigeria delivers a televised address to the nation, reflecting on Nigeria's achievements, challenges, and aspirations. These speeches often address critical issues such as economic stability, security, and
2592-509: The expatriate led Civil Service Organization demanded compensation from the government. In 1958, the colonial office agreed to a compensation plan prior to discussions with the Federal Government. The Nigerian government thus created a lump sum settlement for expatriate officers who wish to leave prior to the granting of independence in 1960 and also promised to fairly treat expatriates who remain after independence. Modifications to
2664-445: The faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Departments under the faculty Kashim Ibrahim Library K.I.L., serves university students and academic staff from the main campus and satellites. As of 2006, its collections include over 1.2 million books; 66,000 periodicals, and other learning materials. The library
2736-588: The figure had increased to 3,030 out of a total of 5,133. By 1965, the process of Nigerianisation had virtually been completed in the Federal Service and at the regional levels. The training of diplomats to man overseas mission was contained in Sessional Paper No 11 of 1956. A selected number of administrative officers were sent abroad for training in preparation of Nigerians independence and establishing Nigerian overseas embassies. As part of
2808-429: The government's commitment to tackling unemployment, inflation, and insecurity. Over the years, these speeches have evolved into platforms for addressing the nation's pressing socio-economic issues, reflecting the complexities of modern governance in Nigeria. Nigerianisation Nigerianisation was the policy of training and posting Nigerians to positions of responsibility previously occupied by expatriates in
2880-608: The importance of offering "equal opportunities" to all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations, and specifically noted the need to reintegrate the Igbos into the national fold. Gowon's address reflected his leadership style, which balanced military objectives with a focus on post-war reconstruction and reconciliation. He avoided vindictiveness, stating, "We are quelling a rebellion, not fighting an external enemy," and urged Nigerians to bind wounds and move forward together. Between 1985 and 1993, Ibrahim Babangida delivered
2952-563: The internal training programme. From 1975, the proportion of expatriate teaching staff diminished rapidly. Beginning in the early 1980s, the university was hit with sharply reduced funding as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank imposed their Structural Adjustment Programme on the country. The value of the Nigeria's currency plummeted in relation to others and staff salaries reduced in real terms. Funding for premises, library acquisitions, and other resources
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3024-425: The major and captain ranks. From 1956 to 1961 British non-commissioned officers were gradually decreased and at which point the remaining officers were those with technical skills. Cadetship was established in select secondary schools to discover potential recruits who could qualify for officer positions. About seventeen yearly cadets were recruited yearly and sent to train abroad as potential officers. Nigerianisation
3096-560: The meantime, appointment of expatriate teaching staff was essential and it expanded greatly and diversified in nationalities. Vice chancellor Audu endeavored to balance the goals of Nigerianization and northernization of ABU's professors with the commitment to maintaining all programmes at an international level of academic quality. By 1975, this balance was strained. The teaching faculty remained more than half expatriate overall; at senior levels still more so. The development of Nigerian staffing (and especially of northern-origin teaching staff)
3168-773: The nation's resilience in the face of adversity. This tradition began in the early post-independence era, with leaders using the occasion to outline policy goals and promote unity. Local celebrations complement national events. For instance, in Oyo State , school essay competitions engage students in addressing modern challenges such as insecurity, fostering awareness and civic responsibility. Communities across Nigeria host events featuring traditional meals like jollof rice and plantains , reinforcing cultural ties. In Lagos , public festivities such as parades and cultural displays draw large crowds, showcasing Nigeria's rich heritage. Fireworks displays, held in major cities, often conclude
3240-628: The new university was passed by the Northern Region legislature in 1961. When the university opened on 4 October 1962, it had four faculties comprising 15 departments, and a total of 426 students. The challenges were enormous. Over 60 years of British colonial rule, education in the Northern Region had lagged far behind that of the two southern regions. Few students from the North had qualifications for university entrance, and fewer still northerners had qualifications for teaching appointments. Of
3312-497: The north of Nigeria. The Faculty of Education taught and also managed teacher training colleges across the northern states. At Kano campus, renamed Abdullahi Bayero College, Hausa, Arabic and Islamic studies courses were taught. Although founded to be the University of Northern Nigeria, commentators have observed that more than any other of Nigeria's universities, Ahmadu Bello has universally served students from every state of
3384-472: The original student body, only 147 were from the north. The university's first vice chancellor was British, as were most professorial appointments. In the first round of faculty appointments the only two Nigerians were mathematician, Iya Abubakar and Adamu Baikie in the faculty of education. Facilities on the main Samaru campus were inadequate, and integration of physically separate, pre-existing institutions
3456-433: The positions in the secretariat were filled with expatriates from other colonies while most of the governing functions were done by residents in the provinces. By the beginning of World War II, Nigeria had a large bureaucratic service manned by expatriates. But the quality of service provided by the expatriates began to dwindle, a situation aggravated by among other things low pay, restriction of expatriate participation in
3528-563: The previous commission new political developments impacted the full implementation of the proposals. In 1954, the Lyttleton Constitution displaced the Macpherson Constitution of 1951. The new constitution changed the civil service from a unified structure into a regionalized one. As a result, the two Southern regional governments, led by Awolowo ’s Action Group and Azikiwe ’s NCNC aggressively promoted
3600-615: The pride and unity of Nigerian communities abroad. In the United States, Independence Day celebrations have been held annually in New York City since 1991, featuring parades, music, dance, and traditional cuisine. This event is regarded as the largest gathering of Nigerians outside the country. In Canada , the Province of Manitoba formally recognised Nigerian Independence Day in 2024, celebrating Nigerian contributions to
3672-486: The process: the Public Service Commission, Scholarship Board and the establishment office. Each ministry was mandated to keep tabs on departmental needs and Nigerians in training who could fit the staff needs. The process also involved recruitment of Nigerian students in U.K. for administrative positions at home. While the number of Nigerians in senior positions was 786 out of a total of 5,125, in 1961
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#17327722225583744-527: The public service of the government of Nigeria . The process was largely implemented in the 1950s. It was gradual and involved reorganizing government agencies and expanding educational facilities at selected high schools and colleges. Nigerianisation became important as Nigeria marched towards independence, the Nigerian Council of Ministers and the House of Representatives both supported the idea of
3816-551: The reason the institution is inclined to internal instability. Hence, ABU has been among Nigeria's universities that have suffered most from closures. Yet ABU continues to occupy a particularly important place among Nigerian universities. As it approaches its half-century anniversary, ABU can claim to be the largest and the most extensive of universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It covers a land area of 7,000 hectares (27 sq mi) and encompasses 18 academic faculties,
3888-536: The recruitment of pensionable expatriates while newly trained Nigerians from colleges overseas were appointed into senior positions. At the Federal level, progress began later. In August 1955, the House of Representatives called on the Council of Ministers to present proposals towards the Nigerianisation of the civil service. In March 1956, the council presented before the House, Sessional Paper No.4 of 1956,
3960-433: The region's cultural and economic development. Nigeria's Independence Day garners international recognition, with messages from global leaders often acknowledging the country's contributions to democracy and regional stability. In 2023, Joe Biden commended Nigeria's leadership in Africa and reaffirmed cooperation on issues such as security, economic development, and democratic governance. Since independence, Nigeria joined
4032-520: The remainder expatriates. To include more Africans in public service, the first step usually began with commission of enquiries into the nature and requirement of public service. The first commission was the Foot Commission of Enquiry, saddled with the task of finding ways to recruit suitable and qualified Nigerians to work in public service . The report of the commission provided progressive recommendations. Hugh Foot's commission recommended
4104-566: The rest of world. There are about 1,400 academic and research staff and 5,000 support staff. The university has nurtured two new institutions: Bayero University Kano and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Technology, Bauchi. Some 30 tertiary institutions made up of colleges of education, polytechnics and schools of basic or preliminary studies are affiliated to it. Despite the numerous achievements of this reputable institution, there are some challenges that
4176-409: The senior positions were dominated by expatriates though a few Africans managed to be promoted. Colonial officials in London and in Nigeria had limited the advancement and recruitment of educated Africans into senior positions with the exception of a few such as Henry Rawlingson Carr and Joseph McEwen. In the middle of 1948, out of a total of 3,786 senior positions, 245 were Africans, 1,245 vacant and
4248-483: The training and recruitment of Nigerians into the regional civil service. Many Africans in the Federal service were heavily sought after by the regional governments. This led to progressive Nigerianisation within the regional governments of the South but a depletion of Africans in the Federal service. The regional governments in the south hastened the process of Nigerianisation, in 1955, the Western government reduced
4320-594: The transition towards independence, the control of the armed forces was transferred from the army council to the office of the Governor-General. Expatriate military officers were now placed under the control of Nigerians and given a maximum period of 3 years of secondment before returning home. In 1959, there were 297 officers in the military with 37 of them Nigerians. The Nigerian cadre in 1959, were 3 majors, 6 captains and 28 subalterns. By 1960, more officers were planned to be commissioned and others promoted into
4392-416: The vice-chancellor. Independence Day (Nigeria) Nigeria 's Independence Day , often called October First , is a public holiday observed annually on 1 October to commemorate the country's declaration of independence from British rule in 1960. This milestone marked the end of over sixty years of colonial governance and the emergence of Nigeria as a self-governing constitutional monarchy within
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#17327722225584464-505: The war effort, constant transfers, separation from families and the increasing complexity of governance not matched by the qualifications. After the war, a salary commission was instituted to consider the welfare of civil servants. The commission encouraged the use of the word ‘Senior Posts’ for administrative positions in the secretariat and provinces which were dominated by Europeans and formerly known as 'European posts'. The new designation also came with expatriation pay and allowances while
4536-554: Was a pediatrician ; former associate professor at the University of Lagos , and Hausa born in Wusasa , near Zaria. Ahmadu Bello University was seriously affected by the coups and anti-Igbo riots of 1966 but continued to expand. Student enrollment had been constrained by A-level training at secondary schools so in 1968 the university established its own School of Basic Studies to provide pre-degree training on campus. Students entering
4608-505: Was considered for suitable Africans. In Nigeria, the structure of the colonial machine placed emphasis on indirect rule and the placement of expatriate Residents , Divisional Officers and administrators to the provinces where they were in direct contact with citizens. The unified system also created a bureaucratic secretariat with expatriate secretaries responsible for communications with London. Though both offices were inundated with constant transfer of personnel and lack of funds, many of
4680-664: Was curtailed. Competition for students, staff and funding with other national institutions in what had been a rapidly expanding university system increased. During a peaceful May 1986 university rally against implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme, security forces killed 20 demonstrators and bystanders. Over the years, ABU has been affected by national political instability. The very fact of ABU's strikingly "national character" (in drawing students and staff from an unusually broad range of Nigeria's regional, ethnic and religious communities) might be
4752-464: Was difficult. Nevertheless, under the vice chancellorship of New Zealander Norman Alexander , academic and administrative staff were recruited, new departments and programmes were created, major building projects were undertaken, and student enrollment grew rapidly. By the end of Alexander's tenure in 1966, there were a thousand students enrolled. Alexander was succeeded by the university's first native Nigerian vice chancellor, Ishaya Shuaibu Audu . He
4824-591: Was established in 1955 comprising a single small room, later converted to a staff club. In 1963, a replacement building was constructed for $ 39,000 named for the then state governor. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria is ranked 6th best among the federal public universities in Nigeria, as of February 2024. Any student seeking admission into the school degree program of the school must have at least five credits in mathematics, English studies and any other relevant subjects in WAEC/NECO/SSCE. The applicant must also have
4896-402: Was intended to be a milestone celebration, leading to calls for increased government action to address regional grievances. Economic difficulties have also influenced Independence Day observances and national addresses. During the 2016 economic recession, President Muhammadu Buhari used his Independence Day speech to acknowledge the struggles facing Nigerians, urging resilience and emphasising
4968-650: Was overshadowed by twin bombings at Eagle Square in Abuja , where official celebrations were underway. The attacks, which claimed eight lives and injured several others, were attributed to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). The group justified the attack as a protest against government neglect of the Niger Delta region. This incident heightened national security concerns and marred what
5040-530: Was perceived as too slow. In 1975, ABU turned toward a much heavier emphasis on internal staff development as it adopted the Graduate Assistantship programme. Under this programme, the best graduates from the departments' undergraduate programmes are recruited to join the department as staff-in-training and undertake advanced training as they gain on-the-job experience. Within a few years, a significant proportion of ABU senior staff were products of
5112-443: Was raised, symbolising its sovereignty. Public celebrations included cultural displays and parades, reflecting the nation's ethnic diversity. In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa reflected on the significance of self-governance and outlined Nigeria's role in global affairs, committing the nation to peaceful diplomacy and cooperation within the Commonwealth . Following independence, Nigeria became
5184-422: Was slow to materialize in the Northern region due to a limited number of qualified graduates from the region. Administration in the North was through indirect rule and Western education was not considered very important in many divisions. After the regionalization of the public service, political leaders in the region felt that the number of Northerners in the service was minimal in comparison to their counterparts in
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