The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), a philanthropic organization founded by Nigeria’s second-richest man Abdul Samad Rabiu, has begun the construction of a N1-billion ($2.3-million) information and communication technology (ICT) hub and a student affairs building at the University of Benin in Edo State.
The University of Benin is a federal university in Nigeria.
The construction of the ICT hub and student affairs building fulfils a $2.3-million tertiary infrastructure grant awarded to the university by ASR Africa last year as part of the organization’s tertiary education grants scheme.
The scheme was drawn from ASR Africa’s $100-million fund aimed at driving social development and renewal, while bridging both developmental and infrastructural gaps in the country.
During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, Ubon Udoh, the managing director of ASR Africa, praised the university management for its prompt response in identifying projects within the ASR Africa project assessment and mutual accountability framework and committing to ensuring its success.
Udoh added that Rabiu is committed to giving back to society and bridging developmental gaps in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa through ASR Africa, which was founded to address urgent development needs in key areas throughout Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin Lilian Salami thanked Rabiu for his commitment to the project, stating that such initiatives will enable the university to be more functional, improve the institution’s outlook, and groom students to be more useful to society.
ASR Africa is a nonprofit foundation established by Rabiu in April 2021 to support long-term, impact-driven solutions to developmental concerns affecting health, education, and social development throughout Africa.
Three weeks ago, the billionaire announced plans to build a N1-billion ($2.3 million) amphitheater in another federal university in Nigeria, the University of Ilorin.
As part of ASR Africa’s commitment to education in the country, the amphitheater facility, which includes a 3,000-person capacity main auditorium, a wide platform with offices, and large storage facilities, will be completed in 11 months.
