Dangote to set up N200bn University in Abuja

Africa’s wealthiest man Aliko Dangote has reportedly submitted a proposal to the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to set up a world class university.

Premium Times reports that Julius Okojie, a former Executive Secretary of NUC, is the chairman of the technical team for the establishment of the university.

Okojie and his team visited the current Executive Secretary of NUC Abubakar Rasheed, where he pleaded for the support of the commission in actualizing their goal.

He said the university intends to drive technology and research to stimulate Nigeria’s economy.

Rasheed applauded the team and Dangote’s efforts, and promised to provide all the required assistance in setting-up the University.

He did, however, advise the team to reconsider setting up a university of technology, as a university running all programmes but with a specialty in technology would be more advantageous.

He asked that the team consult widely, and research universities both in the country and out.

It would give them a view to creating a university that would be different in terms of quality, he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the team Zouera Yousouffou said they are ready to make their goal a reality, as N200 billion has been earmarked for the project, and the land has been acquired.