The management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has explained the decision behind the restoration of the old monument at the main gate of the institution.
This is contained in a statement on Monday released by the management.
“It is pertinent to inform members of the University community and the general public as well why the old and famous monument at the Main Gate of the Samaru Campus of the University demolished five years ago is now in the process of being restored.
“The University Management had, on 6 January, 2022, constituted a six-member committee to, among others, conduct a referendum across the University community and other stakeholders to determine the general views on the restoration of the monument.
“The committee, led by Prof. Abdu Nafiu of Department of Soil Science, was also charged with the responsibility of sourcing for funds and supervising the monument reconstruction.
“The decision to raise the committee followed public outeries from within and outside the University as a result of demolishing the nearly four-decade-old monument synonymous with the University.
“Its replacement with a plastic signboard also resulted in several calls by many stakeholders of the University for the return of the old monument believed to be an important part of ABU history.
“In conducting the referendum, the committee used the survey monkey technique and based on the survey results, the general views on the reconstruction of the old monument were overwhelmingly in support of its return.
“For example, a total of 94.2% of the respondents are in support of the project and willing to contribute to its restoration.
“It is equally instructive to state categorically that the University had not spent a single kobo on the project. It is the committee that is sourcing the needed funds from different donors within and outside the University to execute the project.
“The reconstruction project began on Thursday, 22 December, 2022, and it is expected to be completed in three weeks time.
“Management commends the committee for the ongoing project, and expresses gratitude to all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the restoration of the famous monument cherished by all.”
