Tag: MAAUN

  • MAAUN leads as AD scientific index ranks private university In Niger

    MAAUN leads as AD scientific index ranks private university In Niger

    The AD Scientific Index has ranked Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) as the number one university in the Niger Republic.

    This remarkable achievement is contained in the latest 2026 ranking published on the AD Scientific Index website under the title “Niger: 8 All Universities Rankings 2026.”

    According to the ranking, Maryam Abacha American University of Niger emerged in first place, followed by Université Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi in second position, while Université André Salifou de Zinder ranked third.

    Other institutions listed in the ranking include Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Université Boubacar Ba de Tillabéri, Université de Diffa, and Université d’Agadez—all public universities.

    Maryam Abacha American University of Niger is the first English-language university in the Niger Republic and currently hosts thousands of students from across the world.

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    Founded in 2013 by renowned philanthropist Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, MAAUN has, since its establishment, produced over 20,000 graduates who are excelling in various professions globally.

    The AD Scientific Index is a unique global ranking system that evaluates 24,672 institutions using near real-time data. The system also covers universities, research institutions, companies, and hospitals worldwide.

    The Association of African Private Universities congratulated MAAUN on the achievement. The congratulatory message was delivered through its Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Salisou Mamoudou.

    Dr. Mamoudou commended MAAUN for setting a strong development pathway for higher education in the Niger Republic and urged other public and private institutions to emulate its standards and achievements.

  • Extremely exorbitant

    Extremely exorbitant

    • Maryam Abacha University’s exploitative convocation fee

    The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano State had stirred a hornet’s nest with their “intent to Graduate and Clearance Process” letter to graduating students of the university recently. The letter had directed each graduating student to pay the sum of N750,000 as “requirement to obtain a result, proceed to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and graduation ceremony.” The memo was reportedly signed by the university’s Vice President, Campus Life, Dr Hassan Garba.

    “Failure to meet the deadline may result in delay in processing your results, delay in submission of your name to NYSC for mobilisation and potential delay in your graduation process,” the letter stated.  It is, however, curious that the management reportedly denied having sent out such a letter, following the outcry it had generated from parents and students. 

    If the management denied the letter, what did the Kano State High Court base its Order of Restraint on? Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji granted the Order following the ex-parte application filed by counsel to the concerned parents, Sagir Sulaiman Gezawa. The court, in addition, ordered the university to immediately issue the students’ statement of results and mobilise them for the NYSC.

     The case was adjourned to January 13, 2026. We await the judicial outcome, given the argument of the counsel to the students that they would revisit the admission letters to ascertain whether there are financial obligations yet to be met by the students.  The reported denial of the university management regarding the source of the letter is of further public interest.

    While the legal battle rages, we must point out that universities must operate based on not just a level of systemic order and adherence to certain unwritten ethics; they must realise that students under their care are expected to be groomed citizens greatly impacted by the proverbial ‘four walls.’

     The idea of reportedly coming up with some exorbitant fees as pre-requisite for the issuance of statements of result, certificates and mobilisation for NYSC is akin to arm-twisting students at the last minute. Holding students to ransom at the last minute is unacceptable.  It is as demoralising for students as it is bad PR for the institution that ought to operate from a pedestal of trust.

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    If it is proved that the said fee was not included in the admission letters of the students as expected graduation payments, then the university must be sanctioned by the relevant government agency, possibly the ministry of education.

    The university’s reported defence was that they are a private university and can issue any order at any time because even individuals are not directed on how to run their private homes or businesses. If this is factual, then the relevant agencies must not sweep the issue under the carpet. Public or private schools operate under certain laws and guidelines, and we assume the institution is legally registered and must play by the rules.

    Generally, there are basic rules of engagement between students and institutions. The students must attend classes, complete the needed academic work, pay the required fees (tuition and other declared fees) and be of good character to earn their certificates. This is precisely why most certificates indicate that the holders had been considered “Worthy in Character and Learning” to be awarded degrees.

    It is a well-known fact that graduating students pay some money for graduation gowns but hiking the amount to hundreds of thousands and basing the legal obligations of the school to qualified students like statements of results, certificates and mobilisation for NYSC on the payment of what many see as extremely exorbitant do not impart integrity to the students.

    The report that the school rebuffed some form of arbitration to resolve the issue shows institutional arrogance that must be discouraged by the system. The founder of the institution, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, was reported to have ignored both the parents and the state government. Leadership demands greater sensitivity and empathy. Even the intervention of the Emir of Kano didn’t yield results.

    We, however, commend the attitude of the parents and students who sought civilized ways to resolve the issue. Seeking judicial intervention was the right thing to do.

    The MAAUN is not alone in breaching certain rules of engagement in the education sector. The ministry of education and other supervisory bodies like the legislative houses at both state and federal levels must begin to take their duties and obligations to the citizens more seriously. Many institutions take liberties that hurt the system and the people, and impede development.

     We expect the university to make amends for the distress it has caused all involved. That is the justice needed.

  • 43 First-Class students bag foreign scholarships as MAAUN graduates first set

    43 First-Class students bag foreign scholarships as MAAUN graduates first set

    Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has awarded foreign scholarships to 43 students who graduated with first-class honours during its maiden convocation ceremony on Saturday.

    The scholarships were announced by the Founder of the university, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, at the ceremony on Saturday at the university’s main campus in Kano. 

    He stated that the scholarships would fully sponsor the beneficiaries to pursue Master’s degrees in any country of their choice across the world.

    Gwarzo congratulated the graduating students on their achievements and urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of MAAUN wherever they go.

    President of the university, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammed Israr, disclosed that MAAUN commenced academic activities in 2022 with 15 programmes across four schools and has since expanded to 22 academic programmes across eight schools.

    He noted that the university’s ranking as the second-best private university in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index reflects its strong commitment to academic excellence and quality education.

    According to Prof. Israr, a total of 492 students graduated from 12 academic programmes. Of this number, 43 graduated with First Class honours, 220 earned Second Class Upper degrees, while 229 graduated with Second Class Lower degrees. 

    Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, who is the Director of the European Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Education (ECLEE)in France,  Prof. Mahamouda Salouhou, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to uphold the values of the institution wherever they found themselves.

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    The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Wali Sulaiman Sani, assured that the state government would continue to support the education sector and strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    In a goodwill message, Prof. Hakeem Ibukunle Tijani of Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, commended Prof. Gwarzo for his resilience and vision, particularly for fostering academic collaboration between MAAUN and Morgan State University, one of the oldest universities in the United State of America.

    Also speaking, former NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, who was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Usman Yakasai, described the maiden convocation as a defining moment for the university.

    He said MAAUN has grown rapidly and has become the most popular private university in the North-West.

    The best graduating student, Khadija Ibrahim Manzo of the Department of Human Resource Management, received ₦5 million from the Founder, Prof. Gwarzo.

    The convocation was attended by representatives of state governors,  vice-chancellors of various universities, traditional rulers, senators, commissioners and other top government officials from across the country.

  • MAAUN honours late Abacha, Baré Maïnassara

    MAAUN honours late Abacha, Baré Maïnassara

    Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has conferred posthumous Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Leadership on former Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha and the late President of the Republic of Niger, Ibrahim Baré Mainassara.

    The awards were presented at the maiden convocation ceremony of the university held at its main campus in Kano on Saturday.

    Alhaji Mohammad Abacha received the award on behalf of his late father, while Dr. AbdulRasheed Amadu collected the award on behalf of Late President Ibrahim Baré Mainassara.

    Founder of MAAUN, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, said the honour was in recognition of the contributions of the two leaders to humanity and national development in their respective countries.

    According to Gwarzo, the university honoured Late General Sani Abacha in recognition of his remarkable leadership journey, distinguished military career, and contributions to national development and statecraft in Nigeria.

    He noted that as military Head of State, General Abacha demonstrated decisive leadership with a strong emphasis on national stability.

    Prof. Gwarzo highlighted that his administration initiated major infrastructural and developmental interventions, particularly through the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF).

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    He explained that the PTF remains one of the most visible legacies of the Abacha era, delivering projects across Nigeria in road construction, healthcare, education, water supply, and public transportation, especially in rural communities.

    Baré Maïnassara, a former military ruler, led the Niger Republic until 1996 when he was killed in a coup in April 1999.

    Bare maintained Niger’s role in regional cooperation and security discussions in West Africa during a volatile period.

    Responding on behalf of the Abacha family, Alhaji Mohammad Sani Abacha expressed gratitude to the university for the honour.

    He said the recognition not only acknowledges the late General’s enduring contributions but also immortalizes his commitment to education, progress, and values that align with the mission of MAAUN, named after Hajia (Dr.) Maryam Sani Abacha, whom he described as a beacon of compassion and empowerment.

  • MAAUN founder Gwarzo donates N10m, building to Alliance Française Kano

    MAAUN founder Gwarzo donates N10m, building to Alliance Française Kano

    The Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has donated a fully equipped two-storey building to the Alliance Française Kano, further providing N10 million in operational funding to support its sustainability and efficient running.

    The new edifice, unveiled in Kano by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, alongside Prof. Gwarzo, features modern classrooms, digital language laboratories, multimedia studios, a digital resource library, conference halls, and learning-engineered furniture. It also comes with smart learning boards, audio-visual teaching tools and high-speed internet connectivity.

    Located at Ahmadiyya Junction along Airport Road, Kano, the ultramodern facility is now regarded as one of the most advanced French language and cultural training centres in Northern Nigeria.

    Speaking during the unveiling, Prof. Gwarzo said the centre would significantly strengthen bilingual education in Kano and give students access to world-class French language training. He described the initiative as part of his long-standing commitment to promoting education, cultural exchange and institutional development.

    The French Ambassador commended Prof. Gwarzo for the philanthropic gesture and praised him for equipping the structure with state-of-the-art facilities. Fonbaustier prayed for God to grant the MAAUN Founder long life and good health to continue his humanitarian and educational contributions.

    The Director of Alliance Française Kano, Ali Dabo, expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Gwarzo, noting that no individual in the centre’s decades-long history had upgraded or transformed its infrastructure to such a standard.

    He said the donation finally provides the organisation with a permanent and dignified base after operating from rented facilities for more than ten years.

  • MAAUN PTA apologises over exam hall incident, seeks legal action

    MAAUN PTA apologises over exam hall incident, seeks legal action

    The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has apologised  to the varsity’s faculty and staff over a disturbance that occurred at the entrance of an examination hall on October 24, 2025.

    The Association described the behavior of an unregistered member and his student niece as “unacceptable and condemnable,” pledging to support disciplinary and legal actions to uphold academic integrity within the institution.

    In an official statement by the PTA Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Balarabe, the association expressed regret for the incident and assured the university of its commitment to maintaining discipline and mutual respect between parents, students, and staff.

    “The behavior exhibited was utterly condemnable and falls short of the standards we uphold as parents and as an institution,” Balarabe said.

    The PTA commended MAAUN’s management for its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and moral values.

    According to the statement, the university’s steady growth and high academic standards under the leadership of Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, Founder and President of MAAUN, have made it a model institution in Africa.

    “Over the last decade, since the establishment of MAAUN campuses in Niger and now in Nigeria, we have witnessed consistent growth, quality teaching, and moral excellence. We, as parents, have every reason to be proud of MAAUN and its leadership,” the PTA noted.

    Reacting to a video of the incident circulating on social media, the PTA described it as a “deliberate act of manipulation and blackmail.”

    The Association alleged that the individuals involved edited and shared the footage to tarnish the image of a faculty member and the university.

    “Such acts are unethical and constitute an assault on the dignity of our educators,” the statement reads. 

    The PTA urged MAAUN to take legal action against those responsible to deter future attempts at defamation and online harassment.

    According to the Association, the man and his niece unlawfully appeared at the entrance of an examination hall, violating MAAUN’s strict exam regulations and decorum.

    The confrontation that followed, it said, disrupted the ongoing assessment and drew unnecessary public attention to the university.

    “The PTA distances itself from such indiscipline and reminds parents that they are not permitted to access examination halls or restricted areas,” Balarabe stated, emphasizing that any engagement involving parents must occur through the Administrative Block.

    The PTA also criticized the lapse in campus security that allowed unauthorised access to the exam area.

    It called on the university management to enforce accountability among the security personnel involved, describing it as “a breach of duty that must not be overlooked.”

    The Association further dismissed the man’s claim that he was merely assisting his niece with payment clearance, calling it “a weak excuse inconsistent with his disruptive actions.”

    The Parents Association expressed full support for any disciplinary or legal steps the university may take to preserve order and protect the reputation of its staff. “No individual should weaponize social media or undermine the authority of faculty members with impunity,” the statement stressed.

    Reaffirming its loyalty to the university’s vision, the PTA pledged continued cooperation with MAAUN’s leadership in promoting academic excellence, discipline, and moral development. It also appealed to faculty members to accept its apology for the incident and acknowledged the need for stronger awareness among parents about respecting academic boundaries.

    “The MAAUN Parents Teachers Association remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the university to maintain a disciplined and respectful academic environment,” the statement concluded.

  • MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) has comgratulated to one of its distinguished alumni, Barrister Abdulkareem Maude, on his recent nomination as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kano State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    This commendation was conveyed in an official statement from the office of the University’s Founder and President, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.

    Professor Gwarzo described Barrister Maude as a diligent and accomplished legal practitioner whose career continues to inspire pride within the MAAUN community. He noted that Maude, who is an alumnus of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger has consistently demonstrated excellence and integrity in his professional journey.

    The statement also highlighted that Barrister Maude is set to be formally conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at a special induction ceremony scheduled to take place at the Supreme Court on Monday. This recognition further cements his status as one of the nation’s leading legal minds.

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    “On behalf of the entire MAAUN family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Barrister Abdulkareem Maude on this well-deserved honor,” Professor Gwarzo stated. “His nomination as Attorney General and his elevation to the rank of SAN are testaments to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to justice and the rule of law. We are confident that he will continue to uphold the values of excellence and service that define our institution.”

    Gwarzo further expressed optimism that Maude’s achievements will serve as an inspiration to current and future students of the university, encouraging them to aim high and contribute meaningfully to society.

    Maryam Abacha American University of Niger takes great pride in celebrating the successes of its alumni, and Barrister Maude’s accomplishments are a shining example of the transformative impact of education.

  • MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    MAAUN congratulates alumnus on nomination as Kano Attorney General Designate

    The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) has comgratulated to one of its distinguished alumni, Barrister Abdulkareem Maude, on his recent nomination as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kano State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    This commendation was conveyed in an official statement from the office of the University’s Founder and President, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.

    Professor Gwarzo described Barrister Maude as a diligent and accomplished legal practitioner whose career continues to inspire pride within the MAAUN community. He noted that Maude, who is an alumnus of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger has consistently demonstrated excellence and integrity in his professional journey.

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    The statement also highlighted that Barrister Maude is set to be formally conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at a special induction ceremony scheduled to take place at the Supreme Court on Monday. This recognition further cements his status as one of the nation’s leading legal minds.

    “On behalf of the entire MAAUN family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Barrister Abdulkareem Maude on this well-deserved honor,” Professor Gwarzo stated. “His nomination as Attorney General and his elevation to the rank of SAN are testaments to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to justice and the rule of law. We are confident that he will continue to uphold the values of excellence and service that define our institution.”

    Gwarzo further expressed optimism that Maude’s achievements will serve as an inspiration to current and future students of the university, encouraging them to aim high and contribute meaningfully to society.

    Maryam Abacha American University of Niger takes great pride in celebrating the successes of its alumni, and Barrister Maude’s accomplishments are a shining example of the transformative impact of education.

  • MAAUN founder hails Gov Yusuf for appointing Gwarzo Sa’adatu Rimi COE Provost

    MAAUN founder hails Gov Yusuf for appointing Gwarzo Sa’adatu Rimi COE Provost

    The Founder and President of MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has hailed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, over his choice of Dr. Kabiru Ahmad Gwarzo as the new Provost of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, in Kano State.

    The commendation was contained in a statement by Prof. Gwarzo in Kano on Thursday.

    He said Governor Yusuf deserved to be commended for choosing and appointing the right person to head one of the oldest and reputable College of Educations in the country.

    He expressed confidence in Dr. Gwarzo’s ability and capability as the new Provost of the College to effectively handle the institution in view of his experience and track record of service.

    Gwarzo expressed optimism that the new COE Provost would bring the much needed development to the college as well as raise its status and standard.

    He described Gwarzo as a renowned scholar and seasoned administrator whose wealth of experience will come to bear in the administration of the teacher’s training institution.

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    “This appointment marks a significant milestone for the College as the new Provost is committed to providing quality higher education which the present administration under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf stands for.

    “On behalf of the management of MAAUN Group of Universities, I wish to felicitate with you on this well-deserved appointment,” Abubakar Gwarzo said.

    He prayed to God to give the new appointee the strength and wisdom to take the college to greater heights.

    While wishing the new appointee a successful tenure, Prof. Gwarzo prayed to Almighty God to guide and give him the wisdom to steer the leadership of the institution.

  • MAAUN mourns MLSCN Registrar/CEO Erhabor

    MAAUN mourns MLSCN Registrar/CEO Erhabor

    Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has extended condolences to Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) over the passing of its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Tosan Erhabor.

    Erhabor was said to have died on Sunday night, April 13 in Abuja after a brief illness.

    The condolence message was conveyed in a statement by the Founder and President of MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, in Kano on Monday.

    He said the death of Professor Erhabor was a great loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire country in view of his tremendous contribution to the profession.

    “Nigeria and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria in particular has indeed lost a great scholar as his leadership, dedication and contributions to the profession will be greatly missed.

    “So, on behalf of MAAUN Group of Universities, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family, associates and colleagues over the great loss,” Prof. Gwarzo said.

    He also extended his deepest condolences to all the management members of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria over the death of Professor Erhabor.

    He prayed to God to console the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased at this grieving moment as well as give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.