THE Franco-British International University, Kaduna, has approached Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for mentorship and institutional guidance as it seeks to strengthen its academic programmes and build a reputation for excellence.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Vice-Chancellor/President of the university, Prof. Sabo Abdullahi, made the request during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, in Zaria.
Prof. Abdullahi said the new private university was licensed in 2023 but commenced operations in February 2025. He described ABU as a leading institution with extensive experience in tertiary education and said he considered it suitable to serve as the mentoring university for Franco-British International University.
He said the university hoped to benefit from ABU’s experience, particularly in academic development, staff capacity building and institutional administration.
According to him, the university currently has relatively few departments and faculties but intends to expand its academic offerings with the guidance and support of ABU.
Prof. Abdullahi also commended ABU’s management for its willingness to nurture emerging universities, noting that the university had made significant strides in technological advancement, particularly in information and communication technology.
Responding, Prof. Ahmed welcomed the decision to seek ABU’s mentorship, saying the university had mentored several institutions within and outside Nigeria, including universities in Liberia, Gambia, Sudan and Niger.
He expressed ABU’s readiness to support the development of the new institution and assured the delegation of assistance in areas including access to academic staff, students and facilities where necessary.
The ABU Vice-Chancellor said the university would provide the necessary guidance to help Franco-British International University grow into a strong tertiary institution.
The delegation from Franco-British International University included its Director of Linkages and Collaboration, Alhaji Umar Alkali; Dean of Student Affairs, Alhaji Abdullahi Mairinga; Dean of Nursing, Hajia Karima Dan-Malam; Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Ibrahim Jibril Aliyu; and Media Personnel, Alhassan Ayasa.
ABU officials at the meeting included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Bello Sabo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Raymond Bako; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi; Director, Academic Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Bello Mukhtar; and Dr Ibrahim Sani Kaita, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.
