ABU students and their ‘naturally ahead’ mantra

Just like most of my fellow Abusites, the etymon or origin of this particular slogan “naturally ahead” Is still obscure to me. All I am certain of is that the mantra is tagged alongside ABU students like the Nigeria and Naira relationship. Everybody knows that when you mention the word “naira”, you are without question or beyond doubt talking of Nigeria. Nevertheless, I will say I am indeed obliged to shower

ample accolades and panegyric on the person or group of people who coined and cemented the slogan on the entirety of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It has indeed stirred up the morale of students of this great citadel of learning.

Ironically, one who is ignorant of the vibrant and dynamic nature of the institution would think its environment bestowed the slogan on its student, but that is far from the actual fact. Without any form of total denial though, the social scene ABU offered, the religious events it supported and the academic environment it engendered all led to the evolution of a much more cultured chemo.

Sometimes, one is forced to ask- what traits do ABU student posses that differentiate them from other university’s student and make them warrant the crowd moving mantra “naturally ahead”?. It’s therefore in line to say apart from the camaraderie that exists amongst all ABU students, their religious, social and academic life define and redefined their unmelted uniqueness.

The religious atmosphere on ABU’s ground is quite charged. For those who take the spiritual realm seriously just like me, ABU presented us a divinely fertile ground for the nourishment of our hungry souls. Praying grounds are found in every nook and cranny to cater for Muslims who, by religious obligation have to pray five times daily. On the Christian front, numerous campus fellowships co-habited with the larger non-denominational fellowship of Christian students body. All to promote and enhance students’ attachment with their religious beliefs and moral convictions.

On the academic part, ABU is blessed with lecturers who are intellectually sound. During the 1960’s when the university was created, the lecturers were mostly white men due to the fact that Nigeria then could not boost of capable hands that are much educated to the tertiary level. However, as time goes on, the institution was able to produce enough children that could cater for it. Presently, it’s interesting to know that most of the lecturers were once a student of the institution. A feet attained only by few universities in the country.

The social scene is also not awkward. ABU didn’t allow and in all ramifications, is not allowing the wild side in his offsprings to really manifest and become palpable as obtainable in other institution due to his surroundings. The imaginative, expressive and creative spirit of Abusites always sublimates our social cravings into much more exciting social life. From picnics organized for new students, to series of variety nights, and the ever bubbling drama village speaks a lot about Abusites social outing. The phrase ‘all work without play makes jack a dull boy’ was truly taken into cognizance by the management of the institution. 

All these are factors that interplayed and led to the unmatchable and mouth-watering alumni list the school is boasting of today. The alumni cross across all major facets of life. Notable amongst them are the shakers and movers of the Nigerian political atmosphere. I’m indeed in the right lane and position to say the first graduate president of the federal republic of Nigeria, late. Umaru Musa Yaradua was a product of this institution. Half of the state governors presently in Nigeria were once students of ABU. The list is however not limited to the facade of “politicians”, there are also a lot of technocrats who are masters in their own game produced by ABU.

It is therefore laudable and commendable to say ABU has no match in terms of pedigree of alumni produced by universities in Nigeria. Consequently, one can vividly say the mantra “naturally ahead” adopted by the sons and daughters of the greatest and largest university in Nigeria is not out of place. A family slogan that fits well into the traits being exhibited by its members. Hence, an ABU student is indeed naturally ahead of you.