By Mahdi Waziri Isa
Abdurahman Halliru Saraki was sworn in today as President of the Ahmadu Bello University Students’ Representative Council (ABUSRC) for the 2025/2026 session, delivering an impassioned inaugural address that blended faith, gratitude, and a bold agenda for over 50,000 students amid Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Saraki described leadership as a divine responsibility, stating: “Leadership is not seized by might, intellect, or ambition. It is a trust bestowed by God… Today, I stand before you not because I am the most worthy, but because Allah has decreed it so.”
He acknowledged national uncertainties—from rising food costs and unreliable utilities to job fears—while affirming students’ agency: “We are the conscience of the nation. We are the future of this society.”
Saraki unveiled the ‘SARAKI ABUSRC MANIFESTO,’ an eight-pillar roadmap for action:
– Academic Support: Tutorials, mentorship, and peer systems to boost excellence.
– Health & Wellness: Improved medical access and mental health campaigns—”so that no student suffers in silence.”
– Transportation: Expanded Aluta buses and regulated fares for reliable mobility.
– Emergency Welfare Fund: Aid for crises like bills or housing.
– Food Security: Negotiated prices and hygiene standards—”A hungry student cannot concentrate.”
– Student Safety: Rapid-response channels against violence—”Security is not a privilege; it is a right.”
– Skills & Employability: Workshops on CVs, ICT, and internships.
– Unity and Harmony: Events fostering cultural ties in ABU’s diverse community—”Our strength lies in our diversity.”
He appointed Sani Bello Hamza (MS, Faculty of Law, Kongo Campus) as Chief of Staff, citing merit and inclusivity, with more roles forthcoming.
Saraki thanked predecessor Ibrahim Nazeer Kallah for his “exemplary leadership” and “shining benchmark,” the outgoing council for their “foundation of progress,” family, campaign team, and students for their mandate. To university management, he pledged partnership: “We are partners in the pursuit of knowledge and student welfare.”
Addressing executives, he urged unity: “Leadership is not an entitlement but a sacred responsibility… only through unity, humility, and sincerity it can be achieved.”
“The road ahead may not be easy… But with sincerity, open consultations and determination, we shall rise above every obstacle.” Saraki invoked blessings: “God Bless Ahmadu Bello University. God Bless ABUSRC,” Saraki concluded.
A final-year engineering student remarked, “Saraki gets it—he’s speaking directly to our pains and dreams. If he delivers even half of that manifesto, it’ll be a game-changer.”
As Saraki’s term begins, his vision positions ABU as a “community of growth and unity,” rehearsing Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.
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