ABU Christian community remembers first VC, Registrar

A statement by the institution’s Information and Protocol Officer, Bitrus Galmaka, stated that the duo were late Prof. Ishaya Audu and late Michael Angulu, the first indigenous vice chancellor and registrar respectively It noted that the memorial service was “to honour these pioneers of the Christian community whose services and sacrifices contributed immensely to the […]

A statement by the institution’s Information and Protocol Officer, Bitrus Galmaka, stated that the duo were late Prof. Ishaya Audu and late Michael Angulu, the first indigenous vice chancellor and registrar respectively

It noted that the memorial service was “to honour these pioneers of the Christian community whose services and sacrifices contributed immensely to the foundation laying of ABU’’.

It indicated that 27 others, whose ages ranged from 70 and above, were also honoured for their meritorious sacrifices in the service of the institution.

The statement quoted Dr George Kwanashie, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, as saying during the service that it was important to honour the departed heroes of the institution “who laid the basics of its current success story’’.

It also quoted the Kaduna State Governor, Mr Patrick Yakowa, as describing the late professors as “hard working men of impeccable character.’’

Yakowa who was represented by Mr Timothy Gandu, his Principal Private Secretary, said “although their names may not be found on the streets of Nigeria, I am certain that it is boldly written in gold in heaven’’.

Prof. John Agbenin of the Faculty of Agriculture, noted that ABU grew to what it is today because of the foresight of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the founding father of the university.

Agbenin quoted Sadauna’s mission statement as “the cardinal principle upon which the university is founded is to impart knowledge and learning to men and women of all races without any distinction on the grounds of race, religious or political beliefs’’.

He added: “these principles are enshrined in the university’s law.  Only through freedom of membership and freedom of enquiry and research can a university be drawn into the full ferment of thought from which new knowledge comes.’’

In a sermon, Arch-bishop Idowu Fearon called on the ABU Christian community to love one another and urged them to be ready to sacrifice for Christ.  

He said late Audu and Angulu were being honoured because they were not shy of Christ, adding that it was what gave them the confidence to build peace and justice in the university.

The cleric urged the Christian community to live in peace with other religious faithfuls “as Christ himself is a symbol of peace.’’ (NAN)