The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative Africa (ASR Africa) has donated a N250 million Integrated Publishing House to Babcock University, Ilishan Remo. Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director and CEO of ASR Africa, reaffirmed BUA Group’s dedication to advancing humanitarian causes and improving lives across Africa during the groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday.

Udoh, represented by Nakama Keri, Multilateral Coordination Specialist at ASR Africa, highlighted the commitment of BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu to social development through his foundation. He noted that ASR Africa invests approximately $100 million annually in social development, health, and education, with $50 million allocated to Nigeria and the remaining $50 million supporting projects across Africa.

“Education is a key priority for Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu. To date, we have invested around $35 billion in educational initiatives, including building libraries in Ghana, constructing female student hostels in Niger, and providing substantial grants to several universities,” Udoh said.

The N250 million grant to Babcock University is part of ASR Africa’s tertiary education grant scheme, which saw 22 out of 100 applicants selected for funding after a rigorous assessment. The new Integrated Publishing House, expected to be completed within six months, is seen as a significant asset for the university, enhancing its academic and research capabilities.

Prof. Ademola Tayo, Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, praised Rabiu’s generosity, describing the donation as a fulfillment of the university’s long-held vision of establishing an integrated publishing house. The facility is expected to become a central hub for academic and intellectual activities, fostering knowledge dissemination and research.

“The new publishing house will serve as a beacon of knowledge and intellectual activity, enriching both our university and the wider community,” Tayo said, emphasizing the broader impact of the donation on future generations of scholars.

Dr. Sam Okere, Director of Babcock University Press, also celebrated the donation, describing it as a transformative development for the university. “An integrated publishing house will streamline our publishing processes and enhance our ability to distribute academic work effectively,” Okere explained.