MAAUN graduates first set, 43 students win global scholarships
The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has celebrated its maiden convocation, awarding foreign scholarships to 43 students who graduated with First-Class honours.
The scholarships, announced by the Founder of the university, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, will fully sponsor the beneficiaries to pursue Master’s degrees in any country of their choice.
Speaking at the ceremony held at MAAUN’s main campus in Kano on Saturday, Prof. Gwarzo congratulated the graduates and urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university.
He said, “These scholarships are a recognition of your hard work and excellence. Go and make MAAUN proud wherever you go.”
Prof. (Dr.) Mohammed Israr, President of the university, revealed that MAAUN started academic activities in 2022 with 15 programmes across four schools. It has now expanded to 22 programmes across eight schools.
He added, “Our ranking as the second-best private university in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index reflects our strong commitment to academic excellence and quality education.”
A total of 492 students graduated during the convocation.
Of these, 43 earned First-Class honours, 220 obtained Second-Class Upper degrees, and 229 received Second-Class Lower degrees.
The Chancellor of MAAUN, Prof. Mahamouda Salouhou, Director of the European Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Education (ECLEE) in France, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold the values of the institution wherever they went.
Representing the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Wali Sulaiman Sani, assured that the state government would continue supporting the education sector and strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Hakeem Ibukunle Tijani of Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, praised Prof. Gwarzo for fostering collaboration between MAAUN and Morgan State University.
He said, “This partnership highlights the global vision of MAAUN and opens doors for students to benefit from international academic exposure.”
Former NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Usman Yakasai, described the convocation as a defining moment for the university.
“MAAUN has grown rapidly to become the most popular private university in the North-West,” he said.
The best graduating student, Khadija Ibrahim Manzo of the Department of Human Resource Management, received ₦5 million from Prof. Gwarzo in recognition of her outstanding performance.
The convocation attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including representatives of state governors, vice-chancellors, traditional rulers, senators, commissioners, and other top government officials.
