Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has hosted a delegation from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, to explore areas of academic, research and student-development collaboration.
The delegation, led by Dr Abdulhakam Abdullahi and Dr Abdussalam Maidaula, visited MAAUN on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of preparations for a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.
The team was received by MAAUN Acting President, Prof. Ibrahim Alhaji Lawal, alongside other principal officers of the university.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Lawal described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the institutions, particularly through joint research, knowledge exchange and academic opportunities for students and staff.
The Vice President Administration, Dr Habib Awais Abubakar, called for a practical partnership that would go beyond the signing of an MoU, urging both institutions to identify areas of mutual interest and translate the proposed agreement into tangible programmes.
Discussions focused on research, academic exchange, postgraduate studies, student mobility, innovation, capacity building and other areas of mutual interest.
Giving an overview of KFUPM, Dr Abdullahi said the university, established in 1963, is an energy-focused institution with strong emphasis on research, science and engineering. He added that the proposed partnership would further expand KFUPM’s international academic network.
Dr Maidaula also contributed to discussions on possible areas of collaboration between the two universities.
The Director of the Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation (IAHERI), Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna, said MAAUN has over 70 active MoUs with universities in 31 countries, describing the partnerships as a foundation for further international collaboration.
He also highlighted MAAUN’s academic profile, citing its ranking as the second-best private university in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index, which assesses the scientific performance and productivity of researchers and institutions.
The KFUPM delegation later engaged selected MAAUN students, providing information on academic programmes and opportunities at the Saudi university. The session also featured a question-and-answer segment.
Other MAAUN officials at the meeting included the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Ahmad Maigari Ibrahim; Vice President Campus Life, Dr Kabir Abdullahi; Director, Human Resources, Mrs Maimuna S. Bello; Director, Education Support, Dr Musa Uba; Head of International Office, Engineer Bashir Garba; as well as deans and faculty members.