*HUAWEI MOVES TO UPGRADE ABU'S ICT INFRASTRUCTURE* ... As the global ICT giant conducts needs assessment for the project Huawei Nigeria has moved to upgrade the ICT infrastructure in Ahmadu Bello University as it commenced a comprehensive needs assessment for the project. The upgrade followed a high-level meeting between the university management and Huawei top officials in Abuja recently. The assessment will provide a roadmap for modernising ABU's ICT infrastructure, including deployment of smart classroom and advanced e-learning platforms. A delegation from the company led by the Director, Enterprise Solutions Group, Huawei Nigeria, Mr. Mars Zhangmi, visited the university in Zaria today, Wednesday, 11th June, 2025, to evaluate the institution's ICT infrastructure and identity areas for modernisation. Speaking when they called on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Zhangmi explained that the assessment of the ICT infrastructure would mark a strategic step in the company's localisation efforts. He disclosed that the company aimed to recruit more local engineering talents and adopt solutions tailored towards Nigeria's needs. Zhangmi also stressed the commitment of the company to deepening its partnership with the university, noting that a good number of ABU graduates were currently contributing to Huawei's workforce in Nigeria. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, said his Abuja meeting with Huawei top management staff recently was his first official out-of-office engagement since assuming leadership of the institution. Prof Ahmed explained that ABU's aging ICT infrastructure required urgent upgrades to support the institution's ever growing student population and e-learning initiatives. The Vice-Chancellor said he aimed to make ABU as Nigeria's premier ICT hub, outlining his plans to host on-campus innovation competitions to better prepare students for Huawei recruitment processes and global ICT challenges. Ahmed tasked the company to address technological gaps at ABU Microfinance Bank as part of the partnership. Introducing members of the delegation to the Vice-Chancellor, the Director, IIOE Nigeria National Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof M B Mu'azu, emphasized the critical role of technology in advancing the university's global competitiveness. Also speaking, the Training Manager, Huawei Nigeria, Mr. Kenneth Igwe, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying that he was excited to work with ABU to develop mutually beneficial solutions that would enhance ICT delivery and support the university's digital transformation goals. ........................................ Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (IDV) Wednesday, 11th June, 2025