Gombe State University (GSU) is set to honor Abdullahi Usman, popularly known as Engineer Hadi, during its combined convocation ceremony. Abdullahi Usman, a 71-year-old self-taught engineer, has gained recognition for his remarkable inventions, including a helicopter and a water-powered stove.
Other prominent personalities who will also be honored during the convocation ceremony include:
- Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima
- Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha
- Professor Idris Mohammed
- Former Chairman of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam
- Former Finance Minister, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed
- Late Timothy Shelpidi, former ECOMOG General Commander
Vice Chancellor of GSU, Aliyu El-Nafaty, announced the honorees during a media briefing. He emphasized that these individuals have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields and have played a significant role in the development of the university.
Abdullahi Usman, in particular, was recognized for his ingenuity and innovations in addressing contemporary challenges, especially in the field of energy. He has invented water-powered stoves and power generating plants that can produce up to 7.5KVA of energy without using any fuel, among other gadgets.
El-Nafaty further disclosed that the honorees would receive honorary degrees and awards in recognition of their achievements. Professor Mohammed, in particular, would be honored with the title of Emeritus Professor of Infectious Disease and Immunology for his contributions to the control of HIV/AIDS and Meningitis epidemics.
The convocation ceremony will see a total of 5,944 graduates, including 116 with first-class degrees, 28 with distinctions from non-classified degrees, 1,511 with second-class upper degrees, 3,326 with second-class lower degrees, 801 with third-class degrees, and 162 with pass degrees.