In Nigeria, the Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, will now be called Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUST), Wudil. This follows recommendations by the university’s visitation panel, according to Kano State’s Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, in a statement cited by Punch.
The Kano State Executive Council has approved the renaming of the university. The statement further explained that the approval has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly to study the relevant laws establishing the university for amendment.
This is not the first time the university will be named after prominent people of the state. Per Premium Times, a former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, named the state university after another well-known businessman from the state, Aminu Dantata. However, his successor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, went back to its original name in 2011. Daily Trust reports that Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man, is the Chancellor of the University.
Dangote, who is also the world’s richest Black man, saw his wealth grow by $1.3 billion in January, putting his fortune at $20.4 billion, nearly the GDP of Senegal ($24.9 billion). The growth came on the back of a surge in the share prices of his cement company. Dangote Cement contributes to nearly half of the entrepreneur’s net worth. Dangote Cement produces 45.6 million metric tons annually and has operations in 10 countries across Africa, according to Forbes.
The billionaire businessman has also started assembling vehicles in Nigeria under the brand name Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN). Business Insider reports that the assembling of the vehicles will begin with the Land Trek, 3008, 5008 and the new 508.
