Gombe State University (GSU) is set to honour Abdullahi Usman (popularly known as Engineer Hadi) during its combined convocation ceremony.
Usman is a 71-year-old self-taught engineer who has built a helicopter, water powered stove, among several other inventions.
Other prominent personalities to be honoured include the Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Barrister Boss Mustapha; former Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam; former Finance Minister, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; and former ECOMOG General Commander, late Major General Timothy Shelpidi.
Announcing this during a media briefing at the council chamber, GSU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aliyu El-Nafaty noted that the individuals have distinguished themselves in their various fields, noting that their efforts have been outstanding in the development of the school.
On the choice of Usman, he said: “the self-made scientist and innovator, comes from a humble background as he trained himself into innovating electronics/electrical appliances that addresses the challenges we face today, especially energy. He invented cooking stoves that us water and generating plants that generate energy up to 7.5KVA without the use of any fuel and many other gadgets”.
El-Nafaty further said that Shettima, Mustapha, Ibrahim-Imam, Ahmed, Shelpidi would be conferred honorary degrees.
While Professor Mohammed would be bestowed with Emeritus Professor of Infectious Disease and Immunology, following his contributions in the control of HIV/AIDS, Meningitis epidemics, adding that he is the first to be so honoured.
It was reported that no fewer than 5,944 are expected to graduate, with 116 first class degrees, 28 distinction from non-classified degrees, 1,511 second class upper, 3,326 earned second class lower, 801 third class and 162 with pass.
