ABU LAUNCHES STUDENTS' SUPPORT ASSOCIATES PROGRAMME

By:

Abubakar Basiru
abubakarteacher6569@gmail.com

Ahmadu Bello University’s Counselling and Human Development Centre (CHDC) on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, launched the Students' Support Associates (SSAs) programme at Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Samaru Campus, Zaria.

The event featured a drama performance, speeches, the official launch, testimonies, and the inauguration of appointed mentors (students' Support Associates). In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed; the Dean of Students' Affairs Division, Professor Sahalu Junaidu; the Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, Professor Hadiza Ahmed Tukur; and the Deputy Director of the CHDC, Dr. Haruna Mohammed.

Also present were the ABU Alumni President Worldwide, Malam Adamu Mamman Kontagora; the President of the Ahmadu Bello University Students’ Representatives Council, Abdurrahman Halliru Saraki; faculty orientation officers; deans of faculties; the University Librarian; the Chief Security Officer; the Registrar (represented); Students' Support Associates; students' ambassadors; journalists; staff members; and other stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Dr. Haruna Mohammed, Deputy Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, highlighted the significance of the programme and why it matters to the university.

"Today's event is a clear reflection of that enduring tradition. The Student Support Associates Program is a timely strategic initiative designed to strengthen peer support systems, enhance students' wellbeing and promote a culture of care, mentorship and shared responsibility among our students," he said.

He also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s excellent leadership, describing the programme as part of the university’s broader commitment to student welfare.

"It aligns strongly with the current administration's commitment under the leadership of our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, to strengthening student services, encouraging innovation in learning support and advancing a more responsive and globally competitive university system," he added.

Delivering his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, expressed appreciation and reaffirmed his commitment to student development."If you are not here, we have no business," he said.

He also thanked the Alumni President for his continued support and reiterated his determination to take the university to greater heights. He congratulated the Counselling and Human Development Centre and the Students' Support Associates on their roles.

In an interview with The Trends, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of peer support. "Students should learn from each other and support each other. It's not about just coming to school and listening to your teachers as mentors. There's a lot that you can learn from each other," he said.

He added, "There are those that are intellectually much brighter than others, they can pull others. There are some that you learn a few things, religiously, financial support. So let it be a community of helpers. That's the intention."

In her speech, the Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, Professor Hadiza Ahmed Tukur, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and welcomed participants. She presented an overview of the Students' Support Associates programme and outlined its objectives. She also noted that the programme is expected to improve academic performance and foster a healthier university community.

"Through the SSA, we anticipate improved academic performance and retention rates, reduced feelings of isolation among new students, stronger culture of mentorship and leadership, a more vibrant, supportive and united student community," she stated.

The CHDC's head further explained that the programme engages senior students as volunteer mentors to guide their junior colleagues in academic, social, and personal development, reflecting the university’s commitment to student welfare and leadership development.

She also highlighted the structure of the programme, including the application and mentorship processes, adding that selected volunteers would receive proper training. She further disclosed that suggestion boxes would be placed at strategic locations across faculties to enable mentees to share concerns, complaints, and suggestions.

In his goodwill message, the Dean of Students' Affairs, Professor Sahalu Junaidu, congratulated the Centre for the initiative and reaffirmed his support. He also commended the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to student welfare and pledged to work closely with the Centre.

Similarly, Professor Maryam Aminu, Chairperson of the Committee of Deans and Directors, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor’s efforts and urged the Students' Support Associates to carry out their responsibilities diligently.

"Leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by service, empathy and responsibility," she said, while congratulating the associates and students' ambassadors on the opportunity to serve.

Speaking at the event, the ABU Alumni President Worldwide, Malam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and reiterated the Alumni Association’s commitment to supporting students and the university.

The event concluded with the official launch of the Students' Support Associates programme and the unveiling of its logo by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside other key stakeholders. This was followed by testimonies, presentation of nomination letters, and decoration of appointed Students' Support Associates from various faculties.