Kaduna State University Alumni Association, in collaboration with the university’s and the Kaduna State Students Union, organized the historic KASU@20 anniversary on the 14th of December 2024 at the Musa Yar’adua Hall, Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna. The unprecedented event was attended by the state governor, former state governors, ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, commissioners, the vice chancellor, the registrar, former vice chancellors, DVCs, deans, academic and non-academic staff, alumni, and students of the university.
The event marked the 20th anniversary of establishing the university by the former governor of the state, Sen. Ahmad Muhammad Makarfi, CON, FCNA. The former governor addressed the 20th anniversary celebration of Kaduna State University, highlighting the importance of universities as citadels of learning and breeding grounds for skilled manpower. “To me, if political reasons for the establishment of state universities mean the states desire and aspire to come to par and compete favorably with other states and even federal institutions, so be it. It is clearly a thing of joy and pride to me that this baby that was not given a chance by some people has not only defied the odds but has gone ahead to carve a niche as a center of academic excellence not only amongst its peers but also older institutions.” What people saw as a joke has now become the pride of the state.
The university’s registrar, Barista Samira Balarabe (Gimbiyar Kubau), stated that the 20th anniversary celebration is a significant milestone in the history of the university. She then echoed the contributions of the alumni in the progress of the institution, their communities, and beyond. She added, “over the past two decades, the university has evolved into a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, and professionals.”
She then buttressed that the university has seen a succession of distinguished leaders, such as Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo (the pioneer Vice-Chancellor), Professor Aminu S. Mikailu, late Professor Ezzeldin Muktar Abdurahman, Professor W.B. Quirix, Professor Ado-Baba Ahmed, Professor Muhammad Tanko, and Professor Yohanna Tella, Professor Abdullahi Musa Ashafa, each leaving an indelible mark on the institution. The current Vice-Chancellor of the university is Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, who was appointed on October 19, 2022.
In his remark, the President of the association, Mal. Abdulhadi Abdullahi, highlighted some of the success of the association, ranging from the rehabilitation of lecture halls, renovation of the VCs complex, and installation of solar panels to boardrooms and streets in the university, as well as emphasizing the need for members to give back to the university.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi I. Musa, in his remark thanked the founding father (Sen. Makarfi) of the university, who had envisioned a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and transformation. Sighting that the university’s vision has been sustained by successive governors, who have supported the university’s growth. The speaker also thanked Senator Mallam Uba Sani, the executive governor of Kaduna State, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership. He added that “the university has grown from a modest institution to a thriving institution with over 60 programs across eight faculties, producing graduates making meaningful contributions locally and globally.
The university has achieved 100% accreditation for all its programs this year.” Kaduna State University, Nigeria’s second most sought-after state university, has grown significantly with over 25,000 students and 1,863 staff. With diverse academic programs, a robust alumni network, and a medical college, it aims to become a research-intensive institution, aligning with the Paris Agreement and expanding education access for underserved communities. The university is committed to integrity, excellence, and service.
The university has grown from the two campuses in Kaduna and Kafanchan to “six campuses, seven colleges, five institutes, and four research centers. It offers diverse academic programs: 59 undergraduate programs, 113 postgraduate programs, and 57 sub-degree programs.” Prof. Musa added that the National University Commission has approved the university to commence the following programs: Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Broadcasting, and Library and Information Science.
Various awards were given to staff, alumni, students, former vice-chancellors, the chief of defense staff, and the governor.
The university has witnessed rapid infrastructural development and academic programs with increased emphasis on innovation and community development. The future will enhance research capabilities and international collaboration that will foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The institution has now become the pride of every citizen of Kaduna State and the Nation at large.
Kabina Muhammad
PRO
KASU Alumni
18/12/24.
