MAAUN confers posthumous honorary degrees on Late General Abacha, Baré Maïnassara
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has awarded posthumous Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Leadership to Nigeria’s former Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha, and the late President of the Republic of Niger, Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara.
The honours were presented during the university’s maiden convocation ceremony 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 Maïnassara.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of MAAUN, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, said the recognition was in appreciation of the contributions of the two leaders to humanity and national development in their respective countries.
Prof. Gwarzo said, “We honour Late General Sani Abacha for his remarkable leadership journey, distinguished military career, and contributions to national development and statecraft in Nigeria. As military Head of State, he demonstrated decisive leadership with a strong emphasis on national stability.”
He highlighted that Abacha’s administration initiated major infrastructural and developmental interventions through the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF).
“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,” he added.
Prof. Gwarzo also spoke on Baré Maïnassara, noting that the former military ruler led the Niger Republic until 1996 and maintained the country’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, “This recognition not only acknowledges my father’s enduring contributions but also immortalises his commitment to education, progress, and values that align with the mission of MAAUN, named after Hajia (Dr.) Maryam Sani Abacha, a beacon of compassion and empowerment.”
