The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard M. Mills Jr., has commissioned the 27th Window on America space at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The commissioning ceremony took place at the Phase II section of the University.
While commissioning the project, Ambassador Mills stated that the purpose of the space is to enhance teaching and learning for both staff and students.
He emphasized that the establishment of the space represents American values.
According to him, one of these values is advancing global progress and maintaining peace around the world.
He explained that the space is designed for workshops, career skills development, learning the English language, and furthering education.
The US envoy expressed his hope that the center will serve the University, faculties, and all relevant departments.
Ambassador Mills highlighted that the space is open to the public, with all services provided free of charge, courtesy of the generosity of the American Embassy.
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for providing the necessary environment for the establishment of the center.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala expressed his delight at participating in the opening of the American corner in Zaria.
Prof. Bala stated that both staff and students would benefit from the center’s services.
He expressed optimism that the opening of the center would strengthen the partnership between the University and the American corner, reiterating that the topics to be addressed at the center would be important and relevant.
He thanked the American Embassy for the partnership.
In a goodwill message, the Fulbright Scholar coordinating the opening of the Window on America in Zaria, Prof. Adele Garkida, appreciated the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Adama Adamu, for providing the facility for the establishment of the center.
Prof. Garkida described the hub as an opportunity to mentor younger individuals.
In another goodwill message, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Raymond Bako, noted that discussions with the American Embassy regarding the establishment of the hub began in 2010 but, for various reasons, only materialized now.
Prof. Bako stated that the center is of strategic importance to Ahmadu Bello University and Nigeria at large and that it will also serve as a cultural hub in the country.
According to him, the center will help clarify discussions on Nigeria-US relations.
He encouraged staff and students to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the American Embassy to enhance learning, teaching, and research.
The incoming Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, was among the dignitaries who witnessed the event.
Others present at the commissioning included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi.
Also in attendance were the Acting University Librarian, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed; the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Shamsuddeen Mohammed; the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design, Prof. Abdullahi Abubakar; and the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Maryam Aminu, among others.
