ABU ZARIA..Namune!

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria could best be described as the greatest citadel of learning in Nigeria with students from every state of the federation.It is indeed one of the best places to truly gain knowledge and be rest assured of coping with life’s many challenges anywhere in the world.Perhaps, the reason an ABUSITE anywhere, in any field of endeavour remains unshaken in the midst of challenges till he overcomes. Really, the academic rigour encountered in Zaria can break the strongest of heart,but the soothing balm of its naturally comfortable environment, great friendships made across tongues, faith and tribes, and the daily evening stroll to Oba Akenzua, Ribadu and the famous Queen Amina Halls of residence would melt all forms of stress faced in the class.

In ABU Zaria, you find the most friendly camaraderie, you can rest assured that when you walk through Suleiman Hall of residence, for example, you can rest assured of hearing somebody speaking your language no matter how minor it is.Though today, one finds it easy to see children of the rich and mighty in private schools and schools abroad.In ABU Zaria, it is easy to see children of the mighty and wealthy side by side with sons and daughters of a poor village farmer in Markudi or poor fish seller in Isale-Eko, Lagos.No one ever discriminates nor called him or herself Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, not even a Nigerian, Pakistani or Indian.We were all simply ‘Greatest of the Greatest of the Greatest Nigerian students’. 

ABU Zaria is truly a mini Nigeria created and sustained with friendships made for life.Regardless of your biases or sentiments, students on campus were put together in different rooms to live together not as Christians or Muslims, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, but as ABUSITES, leaving all with no option than to live together as one or silently rot alone in loneliness.Unimaginable covalent and electrovalent bonds were established, such that outlives the citadel of learning itself. Like the President, Muhammad Buhari, in Zaria, no one was for anybody but for everybody. We looked out for one another.This, we were taught in Zaria, is the best way to live a true brotherhood/sisterhood life of collective progress.In Zaria, barriers were broken, prejudices overlooked and intimate relationships built as people love and made friends for the sake of existence and not a coincidence.

ABU Zaria is a reminder of many great things-The Late Bala Usman, Late Pro. Ishaya Audu, Late Prof Bandipo, Prof. Saror, General Kontagora (Uncle K), Prof. Mahadi (the man who changed the school’s aesthetic value for the better),the sculptural garden,the then FASS ( hotbed of progressive students),the Sea Never Dry (at Chemistry department),the most beautiful Drama Village in any Nigeria University, KIL (one of the largest library in any Nigeria University, Steve Aluko (Maradona), Omale,Arokoyo, Zayyan and Tony,Pepsi garden,the Devil’s Corridor ( I had a taste of it too),Suleiman Hall (Home of the Progressives), Danfodio Hall (one of the best designed hostels),the Zaria Rebels (One of Nigeria’s greatest Art school),Gorilla gate,Basketball courts,Social centre, Kegites club (remember Paul and Peter?) and the famous Nineties(Home base of ABU’s greatest political movement-The House of Commons) etc.In Zaria, unwritten laws reigned supreme-No to rape and other forms of sexual harassment.Yet, we managed to balance our social lifestyles with the academics rigour.Life in ABU was simply beautiful, ABUSITES were much more lovely people.This tells till date.


One commentator once said.” You cant attend ABU and not have a friend indeed, friendships were cultivated and nurtured into lifetime homes.You either have an academic boyfriend or an emotional heartthrob.It was a beautiful experience.In Zaria, the only Aluta that supersedes all other Alutas was ‘emotional Aluta.” If there is anything ABU Zaria would be remembered for apart from the above memories, it would be the love ABUSITES showed me during two of the SUG elections (Zayyan/Tony) and Umar Faruk (my President). ABU truly showed me the greatest institutional love I have ever had. Neither would I forget in a hurry the lovely support given to the best Sports Supporter’s club in any Nigeria university ever- De Whoops’ when the university hosted the 2001 NUGA.Really, ABUSITES are naturally ahead. Fatoki Taiye Timmy (Abuja, Nigeria)