By Hassan Ibrahim
Federal University of Education, Zaria Reopens Central Mosque as Abbas Tajudeen Donates Ambulance, ₦20m
The newly rebuilt Central Mosque at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, was officially reopened on Friday, May 8, 2026, for Jumu’ah and the five daily prayers, drawing thousands of worshippers, dignitaries, scholars, and community leaders to a colourful commissioning ceremony.
The mosque project was fully funded by Kano-based businessman and philanthropist Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, Chairman of the A. A. Rano Group of Companies, whose contribution was widely commended by speakers at the event.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Yahaya Isa Bunkure, expressed deep appreciation to the donor for what he described as a selfless commitment to rebuilding and expanding the mosque into one of the finest of its kind funded by the philanthropist in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Baba Ahmad Jidda, the Emir of Zazzau, and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli,, described the project as a source of pride for the Zazzau Emirate.
He urged proper maintenance of the facility to ensure its long-term benefit and revealed that the emirate was also working toward completing its palace Jumu’ah Mosque in the coming year.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, described the mosque as modern and built to standard.
He announced the donation of a brand-new ambulance to support the mosque clinic and pledged ₦20 million for the maintenance of the facility.
He further assured the university management of his support toward establishing a proposed Islamic Centre within the mosque complex.
Earlier, Muhammad Arsalan explained that the idea for the project originated from discussions with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Suleiman Balarabe, before approaching A. A. Rano during Umrah in Makkah in late 2024.
He praised the transparency and commitment shown from conception to completion.
Also speaking, Islamic scholar Muhammad Bn Uthman urged wealthy individuals to invest in projects that benefit humanity, noting that mosques serve as centres for worship, community development, guidance, and reconciliation.
In his response, Auwalu Abdullahi Rano thanked Almighty Allah for granting success in the execution of the project and prayed for divine blessings for all who contributed.
The mosque complex is equipped with a clinic for worshippers and nearby residents, a conference hall, cafeteria, offices, shops for revenue generation, a Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) secretariat and lodge, and is powered by a solar energy system designed to provide electricity round the clock. The facility is estimated to accommodate between 4,000 and 5,000 worshippers at a time.
The event attracted members of the university management, traditional title holders, heads of institutions, representatives of the Christian community, Islamic scholars, students, and thousands of worshippers who participated in the first Jumu’ah prayer at the new mosque.
0 Comments