The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, on Friday attended the Pre-Convocation Lecture of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, held as part of activities marking the institution’s 45th Convocation ceremony.
The lecture, held on Friday, 30 January 2026, was delivered by Her Excellency, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, CFR, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Titled “Challenges and opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the present global geo-political and geo-strategic context,” the lecture examined Africa’s position within an increasingly complex and rapidly shifting global order.
In her presentation, Okonjo-Iweala offered far-reaching insights on how Africa and Nigeria can navigate global economic and political uncertainties. She stressed that while the current international environment presents significant challenges, these obstacles are surmountable through effective, forward-looking leadership, sound policy choices and committed followership. She urged African nations to leverage their demographic strength, natural resources and growing influence to secure better outcomes in global trade and governance.
The lecture was chaired by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, who was represented at the event by the Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR.
Also in attendance were His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha and Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University; His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; the Emir of Zaria, Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli; as well as other distinguished guests, academics and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector.
The Pre-Convocation Lecture formed a major highlight of the 45th Convocation ceremony, reaffirming ABU Zaria’s tradition of intellectual engagement on national and global issues, while providing a platform for robust discourse on Africa’s development trajectory in a changing world.
