Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has commended the academic achievements of the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai since its inception. The governor who was a Visitor to the University stated this at its 4th combined convocation ceremony in Lapai. He said that government made deliberate efforts to give priority attention to education in the state by increasing allocation for tertiary institutions for maximum productivity. The Governor charged the management of the institution to continue to give their best to the students so that they will fit perfectly into the competitive labour market. "I urge the university management to continue impacting on our students, the globally accepted standard of learning and entrepreneurship", he said. He congratulated the students for going through the rigorous academic exercise as well as the parents for sponsoring their wards. The Governor also appreciated the four personalities that were awarded honorary degrees for their philanthropic activities to the institution, acknowledging that government alone cannot shoulder the development of education sector in the state in particular and country at large. Governor Simon Bako Lalong who was awarded Doctor of Administrator (Honoris Causa) appreciated the University for finding them worthy of the award. Governor Lalong donated N20m to Student Union Government (SUG) to be used for development purposes. He also pronounced a gift of one million naira each to two of the best graduating students and N10M to those with first class as rewards for their hard work. According to him, he will be a good ambassador of the University, and continue to contribute his best to its development. Alh. Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Group who bagged Doctor of Business Management (Honoris Causa), also donated N200M to the development of the Institution. The Chairman was represented by the former minister of state, for health, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, who said that the Chairman BUA Group has been providing interventions and support to education within and outside of the country, while assuring more commitments to the University. Other recipients of the honorary Doctorate award were Col. Sani Bello the Chairman, of Mainstream Energy Solutions with the award of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) for his relentless efforts in supporting the institution. Col. Bello was represented by Surajo Abdullahi who pledged continued support of Mainstream to the varsity. Another personality that was awarded Doctor of Entrepreneurship Development (Honoris Causa) was Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu, Chairman,Urban Shelter Nigerian Limited for his immense contribution to the infrastructural development of the university.
The Chief of Staff to Niger state Governor, Alh Ibrahim Balarabe has been described as a man that can be relied upon. The commendation came during a valedictory and farewell ceremony organized by 'Team Balarabe', a group comprising of friends and political associates at a posh event center in Maikunkele, a suburb of Minna, capital of Niger. Encomiums by dignitaries and well wishers who graced the occasion described the chief of staff as a highly influential individual who gave his best to the development of Niger state. The state APC party chairman, Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro said the 46 year old politician has proven that youthful people in position of authority can use their energy to impact positively in the life of the society. He said he needs to be given higher responsibility to continue his good works and use his potentials for the uplifting of the state. The Commisioner for Justice, Barrister Nasara Danmallam described Alh Ibrahim Balarabe as a humble and honest individual that can be relied upon anytime, any day. He said he had worked with the chief of staff and have known him as a person who cannot betray the trust reposed in him. He said the state will miss his services and patriotism. The organisers of the programme said it was a private effort to appreciate the services of the chief of staff to the state. The chairman of the group, said they were encouraged by the selfless acts and patriotism the chief of staff exhibited in serving the state. He said they were here to encourage him and others to do more for the state. He described the chief of staff as a man of integrity and will always keep his words. He called on others to emulate him and learn from his exemplary leadership.
