Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to give lecture at ABU 45th Convocation

*As Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, will chair the occasion

By Saidu Abubakar

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON will deliver a Pre-Convocation Lecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The lecture session, which is scheduled for Friday, 30th January, 2026, is to be chaired by Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria said in a statement.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006. She was the first woman to hold both positions.

During her first term as Finance Minister, she spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club that led to the wiping out of US$30 billion of Nigeria’s debt, including the outright cancellation of US$18 billion.

The Pre-Convocation Lecture, which will take place at Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, is part of the 45th Convocation Ceremony.

The Convocation is billed to hold at Mamman Kontagora Square, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria on Saturday, 31st January, 2026, the statement further said.

In a notification and invitation to the 45th Convocation Ceremony of the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, said preparations were in advanced stage for the success of the event.

The Chancellor of the university, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha, will attend the lecture.

Also expected at the lecture is His Highness, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, the Emir of Zazzau.

Visiting vice-chancellors from both public and private universities are also expected to attend the Pre-Convocation Lecture and Convocation Ceremony.

Many prominent individuals, including captains of industry, seasoned bankers, and technocrats will be present at the lecture.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, on behalf of Chancellor, Council, Senate, Staff and Students of the university, invites members of the general public to the events.