Former First Lady Aisha Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said the enduring legacy of her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari, lies in his commitment to education and human capital development as she performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a Computer Science Complex at Al-Qalam University, Katsina.

The project is being funded with proceeds from the book From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, published to document the life and public service of the late Nigerian leader.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aisha Buhari said the project reflects the family’s determination to preserve Buhari’s legacy through investments in education, knowledge and innovation rather than physical monuments.

She described the proposed complex as a symbol of a vision aimed at equipping future generations with the digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

According to her, transforming the proceeds of the Buhari legacy book into an educational facility demonstrates the belief that the most meaningful memorial is one that creates opportunities for learning, character development and future generations.

She added that nations investing in computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and digital innovation would be better positioned to shape the future, expressing hope that the facility would produce graduates who combine integrity with excellence in advancing the development of Katsina State, Nigeria and Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri, described the project as a major milestone that would significantly improve the teaching and learning of computer-related programmes at the institution.

He said the complex would include two 150-seat lecture halls, a 200-seat auditorium, three computer laboratories equipped with 50 computers each, offices for 20 academic staff, as well as other supporting facilities.

Yauri noted that although the university has offered Computer Science since 2005, it has never had a dedicated facility of that scale, adding that the project would strengthen practical training, research and innovation in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Software Engineering.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by his deputy, Faruk Lawal Jobe, commended the Buhari family for sustaining the late president’s vision through continued investment in education.

He described the project as a significant contribution to knowledge development and praised Aisha Buhari for continuing to promote educational initiatives in honour of the former president.

The ceremony was attended by 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 enhance Al-Qalam University’s digital infrastructure, expand research capacity and improve practical training in computing disciplines.

(Photo Credit: Arise News)