Former First Lady Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, said the greatest legacy of her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, was his unwavering commitment to education and human capital development.
She said this as she performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Computer Science Complex at Al-Qalam University, Katsina.
The project is being financed from the proceeds of the book From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, published to document the life and public service of the late Nigerian leader.
Addressing dignitaries at the ceremony, Aisha Buhari described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the family’s resolve to preserve Buhari’s legacy by investing in knowledge and innovation rather than monuments.
“Today marks far more than the commencement of a new building; it marks the beginning of a vision that equips future generations with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” she said.
She noted that the Computer Science Complex would remain “a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of our late leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, whose life was defined by duty, discipline, integrity and unwavering commitment to national development.”
The former First Lady further said converting the proceeds of the Buhari legacy book into an educational facility reflected the belief that “the greatest memorial we can build is not merely one of concrete and steel, but one that nurtures knowledge, character and opportunity for generations yet unborn.”
She added that as technology increasingly drives global development, countries investing in computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and digital innovation would shape the future.
Offering prayers for the institution, she said she hoped every lecture delivered in the complex would inspire excellence, while every graduate would combine integrity with intelligence in advancing the development of Katsina State, Nigeria and the African continent.
The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Qalam 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.
“It is very dear to our hearts, a project that promises to bring unquantifiable benefits to our community,” Yauri said.
He disclosed that the complex would comprise two 150-seat lecture halls, a 200-seat auditorium, three computer laboratories equipped with 50 computers each, offices for 20 academic staff with furniture and computers, alongside other supporting facilities.
According to him, although Computer Science has been offered at the university since 2005, the institution had never had dedicated facilities of such magnitude.
“This is the first time we are having full facilities for training our students in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Software Engineering,” he said, adding that the intervention would significantly strengthen practical learning, research and innovation.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Faruk Lawal Jobe, commended the Buhari family for sustaining the late president’s ideals through investments in education.
“This edifice is a remarkable achievement. It is contributing towards education and knowledge, and there is no greater investment than one that enlightens society,” the governor said.
The governor also praised Aisha Buhari for championing educational causes after the passing 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,” he added.
The ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academics, development partners, members of the university community and other invited guests.
When completed, the Computer Science Complex is expected to strengthen Al-Qalam University’s digital infrastructure, 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.