By Dr Murjanatu M. Abba
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB) of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, will continue to pay its foreign students despite the cessation of the Centre’s World Bank funding.
Centre Leader Prof. YKE Ibrahim, who made this known while celebrating the new year with the Centre’s foreign students, encouraged them to maintain strong relationships with their supervisors. He also shared his own experiences while he was still a student, emphasising that challenges are a normal part of academic life.
Prof. Ibrahim urged the students to persevere and graduate within the next year, noting that although the Centre’s World Bank funding has ended, their monthly stipends will continue. He highlighted opportunities arising from grants won by Centre members, including those by Dr Gloria Chechet, which students will benefit from. While celebrating the Centre’s achievements, he expressed concern over students who had overstayed in the programme, urging them to accelerate their progress.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Aminu Mohammed advised students to communicate openly with the Centre regarding challenges, explaining that strict measures are sometimes necessary to maintain academic standards. He encouraged diligence and the timely completion of their programmes. Similarly, Dr Aliyu Mohammed shared his postgraduate experiences, emphasising patience as a key to success and urging students to support one another through their studies.
Deputy Centre Leader Prof. Mohammed Mamman clarified that the grants received are allocated with clear plans and are not entirely at the Centre’s discretion. He expressed excitement that most students have defended their proposals and encouraged them to use their time wisely.
Dr Idowu Aimola, speaking from his experience as a former foreign student, assured students that his laboratory is open to any student seeking assistance. He also advised them on managing culture shock, highlighting it as a potential barrier to academic success.
The Centre’s Communications Officer, Dr Murjanatu Abba, reminded students to complete their programs within the stipulated timeframe. In response, some students highlighted some of their challenges. Despite these concerns, they expressed gratitude to the staff for their guidance and support.
The event was attended by other project management staff, and they were all introduced to the students.
The event concluded on a convivial note, as everyone enjoyed refreshments and barbecue, providing an opportunity for informal interaction and celebration.
