by Abubakar Basiru [Teacher] (300L Mass Comm)
Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, on Monday commissioned the newly upgraded Postgraduate Library of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The commissioning ceremony, held on 8th December 2025, drew notable dignitaries including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Raymond B. Bako; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Bello Sabo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research and Innovation), Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi; and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Shamsuddeen Mohammed.
Also present were the President of the National International Studies Alumni Association, Ambassador Muntari Abdu Kaita; the Chief of Staff to the Zamfara State Government; as well as professors, lecturers, students, journalists, and other distinguished guests from within and outside Zaria.
Representatives of the Registrar, Malam Yakubu Anivbassa, and the Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed, also attended the event. Others present included the Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Prof. M. I. Umar-Buratai; Director, Distance Learning Centre, Prof. M. B. Muazu; and Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Auwalu Umar.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed warmly welcomed Governor Lawal back to his alma mater, praising his longstanding support for the university and commending his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity in Zamfara State.
Prof. Ahmed also criticized certain national and international groups whom he accused of exaggerating Nigeria’s security challenges, describing them as “enemies of Nigeria.” He called on both federal and state governments to intensify their efforts in addressing insecurity across the country.
Giving an overview of the project, Ambassador Muntari Abdu Kaita described the renovation as “one of the best transformations in years.” He lauded Governor Lawal’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure at ABU and supporting academic development.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed gratitude to the ABU community, describing the university as the institution that nurtured him and shaped his career. He said supporting ABU was his way of giving back to a community that contributed immensely to his success.
Calling ABU “the best university,” he added:
We have the best of everything. And I keep telling people, if you dare make mistake of starting your school here, it will be difficult for you to go anywhere.”
He also proudly described himself as a “product of ABU.
Governor Lawal emphasized that the upgraded library reflects the value of learning and research, noting that “learning and research start here.” He urged alumni to continue contributing to the university, even in small ways, to support its growth.
He expressed delight after spotting his own master’s degree project among the archived works in the department.
The ceremony ended with Governor Lawal officially commissioning the project and touring the refurbished library in the company of university officials. He later visited the renovated Secretariat of the International Studies Alumni Association, where he interacted with former colleagues, friends, and well-wishers.