ABU: AN ATMOSPHERE FOR ACE ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Feb 2, 2026

ABU: AN ATMOSPHERE FOR ACE ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT

By Bala Ibrahim

Every time I meet a graduate from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, popularly referred to as, ABU Zaria, my heart becomes filled with envy, because, fate had decided a different trajectory, or course for my own destiny. Yes, by divine authority, I was not chosen amongst those that can claim the ABU alumnus laurel. Although envy may not be the right word to use here, because, to some, it may sound destructive, or be seen as a painful emotional expression of discontentment over what others possess, but my own envy is borne in the reverse. It is an envy out of the love for the progress of others, to which, my ambition for such opportunity was truncated. For me, an ABU graduate is a product of the institution that is assigned the atmosphere for ace academic advancement. Because of that, I always respect the stickers I see on the rear screens of some vehicles, that say, “An ABU graduate is ahead of you”. The joke must have been coined to take advantage of the physical position of the vehicle, being in front of you, to insert a particular illusion of joy, in the mind of the vehicle owner ahead. That is if indeed he is a genuine ABU graduate, and not an ABU drop out, like yours truly.

The beauty of being a product of ABU is the opportunity it provides for allowing you to be the best, if you aim for the best. But even if providence did not permit you to achieve your aim, if you have ever set your feet in ABU Zaria as a student, there is always the tendency of mingling with those who are at their best, later in life. And each time you visit the school, you leave with a new nostalgia. ABU, which was founded in 1962, in the northern and ancient city of Zaria, Nigeria, is a premier institution that was established by the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. It is known for its massive, diverse campuses, top-tier academics across over 100 departments, and significant research output, often cited as a leading university in Africa. It is renowned for producing influential leaders, fostering innovation, and maintaining a proud, “Naturally Ahead” reputation. ABU has a strong reputation in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Agriculture, consistently ranking among the top universities in Nigeria.

As I write this article, I am waiting to see a doctor, with whom we started studying together at ABU Zaria. He is now a Consultant Ophthalmologist. I hope I got the title right. Through ABU, he had graduated to practice as a specialist, in that field of medicine that attends to people with challenges, or disorders in the eye. Because we were very close in school, we joke a lot together and call each other by the nickname- “Kai na waje na”. After examining my eyes, he jokingly said, kai na waje na, I didn’t know you are going to go blind so soon. Blind?, I enquired. Yes blind, he said. All the ingredients of blindness are resident in your eyes. I said please na waje na, be serious for God’s sake. In the end, he calmed me down, but talked about pressure in the eyes, and what I must do, or be doing, to avoid the path of that dreaded blindness. The initial joke was expensive but coming from the product of ace academic advancement, I couldn’t but buy it at its market value. That’s what happens when an ABU graduate attends to you.

Because of my confidence in his capabilities, having studied at ABU and elsewhere abroad, I became relaxed after the briefing. So I came with a disEASE, but left at EASE, courtesy of my confidence in the person handling the situation. That is what happens when you meet the person that received training from the place that has the atmosphere for ace academic advancement. Reading through another platform on the social media, I stumbled on the story of another ace product of ABU Zaria, whose name is Professor Aisha Mahmoud. Her father is a Professor of History and her mother a Professor of Educational Psychology. Her resume’ runs thus:
Primary Education: ABU Staff School, Zaria
Secondary Education: Demonstration Secondary School, ABU Zaria
BSc. Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Master’s Degree in Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
MSc. Accounting and Finance, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Ph.D. Accounting and Finance, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Currently, Professor Aisha serves as Special Adviser on Research and Statistics to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

ABU is characterized by many things, including being a hub for over 100,000 students and diverse staff that engage in significant national development exercises. It is one of Nigeria’s oldest and largest universities, occupying immense space across Samaru, Kongo, and Funtua campuses.
The university fosters a diverse environment, featuring a strong sense of pride among the alumni, who often contribute in solving real-world problems. Virtually every Faculty, out of the multitude of faculties in the university, has made landmark achievements that are documented in the development of Nigeria. The Faculty of Law, amongst other faculties, has distinguished itself by producing top-tier graduates, including the first-ever first-class honours recipient. As Zaria is fondly called, “the city of knowledge,” ABU being a registered resident, continues to be a cornerstone of education in Nigeria and Africa.

ABU is not only known for ace academic advancement, it is also a place for great social transformation. On the side of social life, I continue to think of Club 2000, Vandelas, Alfa club and the rest.

ABU: AN ATMOSPHERE FOR ACE ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT