Former First Lady Hajiya A’isha Buhari on Sunday inaugurated the construction of a College of Computing Complex at Al-Qalam University, Katsina.
The project is being funded with proceeds from the book “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” published to document the life and public service of the late former president.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the former first lady said the initiative reflects the family’s commitment to preserving President Buhari’s legacy through investments in education and human capital development.
She described education as the late president’s greatest legacy, adding that the project demonstrates the family’s preference for investing in knowledge and innovation rather than monuments.
According to her, the commencement of the College of Computing Complex marks the beginning of a vision to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
She noted that the facility would stand as a lasting testament to the late Buhari’s life of duty, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national development.
Mrs Buhari said, “Channelling proceeds from the legacy book into an educational institution reflects the belief that the greatest memorial is one that nurtures knowledge, character, and opportunities for generations to come.”
She stressed that countries investing in computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital innovation would shape the future of the global economy.
The ex-first lady expressed optimism that every lecture delivered in the complex would inspire excellence, and that every graduate would combine integrity with intelligence to advance the development of Katsina State, Nigeria, and Africa.
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Faruk Lawal-Jobe, commended the Buhari family for sustaining the late president’s ideals through investments in education.
Radda described the proposed complex as a remarkable contribution to education and knowledge, noting that “there is no greater investment than one that enlightens society.”
He also praised the former first lady for continuing to champion educational development after the demise of the former president.
“We thank you most sincerely for championing the cause of education even after the demise of our father, Muhammadu Buhari, because this is something he stood for,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Nasiru Musa-Yauri, described the project as a landmark intervention that would transform the teaching and learning of computing-related disciplines in the institution.
He said the complex would comprise two 150-seat lecture halls, a 200-seat auditorium, three computer laboratories with 50 computers each, and offices for 20 academic staff equipped with furniture and computers, alongside other supporting facilities.
Musa-Yauri said, “Although the university has offered computer science since 2005, it has never had dedicated facilities of this magnitude.”
According to him, the project will provide modern facilities for training students in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, and software engineering while strengthening practical learning, research, and innovation.
“When completed, the College of Computing Complex will strengthen Al-Qalam University’s digital infrastructure.
“It will also improve research and practical training in computing disciplines and reinforce the institution’s position as one of Northern Nigeria’s emerging centres for technology education,” he said.
