Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu's ASR constructs $175,000 publishing house for Babcock university

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key points:

  • Abdul Samad Rabiu’s ASR Africa has begun constructing a N280 million ($175,000) Integrated Publishing House for Babcock University.
  • The facility will upgrade the university’s basic press to a modern publishing house, supporting diverse academic disciplines.
  • The project aligns with Babcock University’s goal to produce graduates capable of innovative problem-solving in various fields.

Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, known for his philanthropic efforts through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has flagged off a new project.

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), has begun the construction of a N280 million ($175,000) Abdul Samad Rabiu Integrated Publishing House for Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

This project aims to elevate the University from a basic press operation to a modern, integrated publishing house, encompassing publishing, print production, and diversified related services.

The one-storey building facility will serve as a laboratory and studio for training students of communications, media studies, and allied disciplines, as well as other fields.

Enhancing Educational Infrastructure

At the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, expressed satisfaction with the nomination by ASR Africa under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme.

He highlighted that the choice of this project aligns with the university’s vision to advance the Mass Communications Department to a new level.

The aim is to produce graduates capable of critical thinking and problem-solving, providing innovative solutions to social, political, and cultural challenges.

ASR Africa’s Commitment to Education

Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, expressed his delight at the university’s decision to establish an Integrated Publishing House.

He emphasized that the appropriate application of information empowers society to overcome limitations and reach its full potential. Dr. Udoh reiterated Abdul Samad Rabiu’s commitment to supporting quality education within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

He urged the university to focus on the sustainability of this project and stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the university and the contractor for the timely completion of the publishing house.

ASR Africa’s swift impact

Established in 2021 by Rabiu, ASR Africa has quickly gained recognition for its impactful philanthropic efforts. The initiative prioritizes investments in education, healthcare, and social development to drive sustainable change across Africa.

This hospital construction follows Rabiu’s December 2022 announcement of a N10 billion ($6.49 million) grant aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s security infrastructure. The Security Sector Support Grant also benefits the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, and various paramilitary organizations.

Recently, ASR Africa commenced construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State, demonstrating the initiative’s diverse range of projects.