Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) stands as one of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, officially inaugurated on October 4, 1962, in a grand ceremony presided over by its first Chancellor, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Today, ABU is the largest university in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, covering 7,000 hectares and ranking as the second largest university in Africa after Al-Azhar University in Egypt.
Academic Structure
ABU comprises: 12 Faculties, A Postgraduate School, 94 Departments, 6 Institutes, 6 Specialized Centres, A Division of 4 Agricultural Colleges (DAC), A School of Basic and Remedial Studies (SBRS), A Demonstration Secondary School (DSS), A Primary School
Since its inception, ABU has produced over 800,000 graduates (1962–2012), many of whom have gone on to become national and global leaders across politics, law, academia, and business.
Notable ABU Alumni
Presidents
1. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR) – Former President of Nigeria
Vice Presidents
- Oladipo Diya (GCON) – Former Vice President
- Atiku Abubakar (GCON) – Former Vice President
- Namadi Sambo (GCON) – Former Vice President
Speakers of the House of Representatives
- Ghali Umar Na’Abba – Former Speaker of the House
Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN)
1. Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu (SAN)
2. Idris Legbo Kutigi (GCON)
3. Dahiru Musdapher (SAN)
4. Muhammad Lawal Uwais (GCON)
5. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad
6. James Ogenyi Ogebe
7. Saifullahi Muntaka Coomassie
8. Mahmud Muhammed
Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
1. Dr. Gidado Idris
2. Mahmud Yayele Ahmed
3. Engr. Babachir David Lawal
Governors
ABU has produced numerous state governors, including:
1. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (Kaduna)
2. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano)
3. Samuel Ortom (Benue)
4. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa)
5. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe)
6. Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)
7. Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa)
8. Darius Ishaku (Taraba)
9. Muhammad Abubakar (Bauchi)
10. Simon Lalong (Plateau)
11. Ahmad Makarfi (Former Kaduna)
12. Donald Duke (Former Cross River)
13. Ibrahim Shekarau (Former Kano)
Ministers
Some notable former and current Nigerian ministers from ABU include:
1. Nasir El-Rufai (FCT Minister)
2. Muhammad Bello Adoke (Justice Minister)
3. Aisha Jummai Alhassan (Minister of Women Affairs)
4. Jerry Gana (Minister of Information)
5. Rilwanu Lukman (Minister of Petroleum)
Academia & Research
ABU has also produced top academicians and scientists, including:
1. Prof. Ayodele Awojobi – Renowned scientist, University of Lagos
2. Prof. Ibrahim Umar – Former VC, Bayero University Kano & FUT Minna
3. Prof. Isa Marte Hussaini – Notable pharmacologist
4. Prof. Andrew Nok – Renowned biochemist
Security & Public Service
1. Solomon Arase – Former Inspector General of Police (IGP)
2. Lawal Daura – Former Director General of SSS
3. Ibrahim Lamorde – Former EFCC Chairman
4. Nuhu Ribadu – Former EFCC Chairman
Banking & Business
1. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi – Former CBN Governor & Emir of Kano
2. Mansur Mukhtar – Former World Bank Executive Director
3. Ibrahim Boyi – CEO, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria
First Ladies
1. Aisha Buhari – First Lady of Nigeria
2. Turai Yar’Adua – Former First Lady of Nigeria
A Legacy of Leadership
Ahmadu Bello University has shaped the destiny of Nigeria, producing Presidents, Governors, Ministers, and key professionals across various industries.
