The Management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has formally announced the schedule and administrative protocols for the 2025/2026 Academic Session Matriculation Ceremony. This ceremony serves as the definitive point of entry for all newly admitted students, legally and symbolically inducting them into the university’s academic tradition.
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 17th February, 2026. In line with institutional requirements, all "freshmen" are mandated to participate and must be appropriately attired in official university academic regalia. To facilitate this, the university has established a structured system for the hiring of academic gowns, emphasizing a shift toward fully electronic financial transactions.
Administrative Timeline and Venue
While the primary ceremony occurs at the university's main campus, the preparatory steps—including payment and gown collection—are decentralized across the various faculties.
Ceremony Date: Tuesday, 17th February, 2026
Gown Hire Fee: ₦3,000 (Three Thousand Naira)
Collection Point: Respective Faculty Offices
Electronic Payment Protocol via Remita
To ensure transparency and eliminate the risks associated with cash handling, ABU Zaria has integrated its payment system with the Remita (TSA) platform. The university has set a strict hire fee of ₦3,000 for the academic gowns. All students are required to generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and complete their payment electronically.
Step-by-Step Payment Procedure
Students must navigate the Remita Website and follow these precise steps to ensure their payment is credited to the correct university account:
Selection: Log on to the platform, select "Pay TSA & States," and then choose "FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria."
Form Completion: Populate the provided form with the following specific identifiers:
Beneficiary: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria - 1000110
Service/Purpose: COGCC
Description: Hiring of Academic Gown
GIFMIS Code: 0000
Personal Data: Enter the exact amount (₦3,000), your full name as it appears on your admission letter, and your contact details.
Payment Mode: After submission, select your preferred channel: Debit Card, Bank Branch, or Internet Banking.
Verification: Students who pay via Debit Card at the university's Point of Sale (POS) will receive an official receipt immediately. Those using other channels must print their Remita receipt and present it at the university's designated offices to obtain an official university receipt.
Gown Collection and Ethical Conduct
The university management has issued a stern warning against any attempt to pay cash at the gown collection centres. Faculty Officers and staff are strictly prohibited from accepting physical currency. Any student found circumventing the electronic payment system may face disciplinary action and will not be issued a gown.
Mandatory Requirements for Collection:
A printout of the Remita Payment Receipt.
The Official University Receipt (obtained after verification).
A valid Student Identification Card or Admission Letter.
Students are expected to treat the hired gowns with the utmost care. Any damage to the regalia or failure to return it within the stipulated time after the ceremony may result in additional fines or the withholding of first-semester results.
Preparation for the Ceremony
The matriculation ceremony is the first significant milestone in a student’s journey at ABU Zaria. It is a day of solemnity where the Matriculation Oath is administered by the Registrar. Students are advised to be seated at the venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the academic procession.
By adhering to these electronic payment guidelines and administrative timelines, students contribute to the orderly conduct of this prestigious event. The Management congratulates all new students and looks forward to a successful and colorful celebration.