About Us
Our Story
Foundation and Vision
The School of Basic Studies (SBS) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria was founded in 1970 with the vision of accelerating the production of university graduates from Northern Nigeria.
This initiative was led by the late Prof. Ishaya Shuaibu Audu, a distinguished pediatrician and the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of ABU, succeeding Prof. Norman Alexander, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor. The Alexander Hall (male accommodation) of the institution was named after him.
In the early years, the only qualification for admission to a degree program at ABU and a few other Nigerian universities was the Higher School Certificate (HSC), a recognized diploma, or other duly accredited certificates.
The SBS was therefore established to provide an expedited path to university education for fresh secondary school graduates.
Program Structure and Evolution.
Initially, the SBS program was designed as a two-year course in Arts and Science subjects for students with a minimum of five credits in the MOCK/WASC exams.
The course commenced with a “summer term” from July to August, followed by a holiday. Successful students who passed the WAEC exams resumed in September as full-time students, enjoying all the privileges of their senior counterparts.
The program was eventually shortened to 12 months to reduce the gap between the end of secondary school and the start of advanced-level education.
The Role of the Interim Common Services Agency. (ICSA)
The Interim Common Services Agency (ICSA), created to manage the assets and liabilities of the defunct Northern Region among the six newly created states, played a significant role in the establishment of the SBS program.
The SBS, while initially intended for students from Northern Nigeria, soon began admitting students from other parts of the country. This facilitated national integration, especially during the post-Civil War period, aligning with the Federal Government’s “3Rs” program. (Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation)
Students’ Life and Integration.
The SBS students, some as young as 16 years, enjoyed a university life without segregation. They shared facilities with the degree, post-degree, diploma, and other certificate courses students, including lecture theatres, dining halls, libraries, and weekend entertainments.
This environment fostered genuine integration and a sense of true nationalism, transcending ethnic, religious, or sectional affiliations.
Lectures were conducted by esteemed faculty members, contributing to a rich educational experience.
Legacy and Impact.
The quality of training at SBS remained top-notch, producing graduates who excelled in various fields.
After a successful run of 19 years (1970 -1989), the SBS program was eventually phased out with the creation of the School of Basic and Remedial Studies in Funtua by some Northern States.
The legacy of SBS lives on through its alumni, who continue to embody the values of academic excellence and national unity.
Who We Are
BASICO, the School of Basic Studies Alumni Association, is a vibrant network of alumni and exco members who have walked the halls of this prestigious institution. Our members span across various professional fields and geographical locations, unified by a common heritage and commitment to fostering the legacy of academic excellence and community service.
Our Vision
To unite alumni and promote excellence.
Our Mission
Fostering a sense of belonging and networking amongst our alumni, to give back to our alma mater and society through various developmental initiatives.
Board Of Trustees
Ado Abdullahi
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Dr. Ruth Saba
Member, Board of Trustees
Mansur Kurfi
Member, Board of Trustees
Dr. Julius Bala
Member, Board of Trustees
Abraham Yisa
Member, Board of Trustees
Lawal Garba
Member, Board of Trustees
Our Executives
Meet the members of our executive committee.
EXCOS
Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa OON
Chairman
Enoch Pear Duchi
Vice Chairman
Tamani Gamba Yusuf
Secretary General
Gambo Ahmed
Treasurer
Lami Tumaka FNIPR
Social Secretary
Usman Jimada
Publicity Secretary
Rabi Musa Saulawa
Financial Secretary
Fati Talib Abubakar
Asst Secretary
Barr Musa Hussein
Legal Secretary
Gregg Chris Winful
Asst. Social Secretary
Lantana Ahmed
Provost General
Class Coordinators
Gambo Dori
1972/73 Class Coordinator
Sam Bandi
1973/74 Class Coordinator
Lami Tumaka FNIPR
1975/76 Class Coordinator
Ahmed Sardauna Obande Esq.
1978/79 Class Coordinator
Barnabas Omali
1979/80 Class Coordinator
Dr. Hassan Gimba
1982/83 Class Coordinator
Victoria Olufemi Soluade
Coordinator, BASICO Diaspora
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