Scholarships, Praise, and Global Ambition
The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has awarded foreign scholarships to 43 first-class graduates.
The announcement came during the university’s maiden convocation ceremony on Saturday in Kano.
The Founder, Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, announced the scholarships at the main campus. He said the awards will fully sponsor Master’s degrees worldwide.
Beneficiaries may study in any country of their choice. Moreover, he congratulated the graduates on their academic excellence.
He urged them to become worthy ambassadors of MAAUN globally.
Growth, Rankings, and Graduate Statistics
Meanwhile, the University President, Mohammed Israr, highlighted MAAUN’s rapid growth. He disclosed that academic activities began in 2022. Initially, the university offered 15 programmes across four schools.
Since then, it has expanded to 22 programmes across eight schools. Importantly, he noted MAAUN’s ranking by the AD Scientific Index. The ranking placed MAAUN as Nigeria’s second-best private university.
According to him, 492 students graduated from 12 programmes. Of this number, 43 earned First Class honours. Also, 220 graduated with Second Class Upper degrees. 229 obtained Second Class Lower degrees.
Goodwill Messages and Institutional Support
Earlier, the Chancellor, Mahamouda Salouhou, addressed the graduates. He also serves as Director of the European Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Education (ECLEE) in France. He encouraged graduates to uphold the university’s values everywhere.
Similarly, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, sent assurances through his Chief of Staff. The representative, Wali Sulaiman Sani, reaffirmed support for education. He emphasized stronger collaboration with stakeholders.
In a goodwill message, Hakeem Ibukunle Tijani praised the Founder’s vision.
He spoke on behalf of Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. He commended the academic collaboration between both institutions.
Also speaking, former NUC Executive Secretary Abubakar Adamu Rasheed described the event as historic. He was represented by Ibrahim Usman Yakasai. He said MAAUN has grown rapidly in the North-West.
Awards, Dignitaries, and Closing Highlights
Notably, the best graduating student received special recognition.
Khadija Ibrahim Manzo, from Human Resource Management, received ₦5 million. The award was presented by the Founder.
The ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries nationwide. Attendees included governors’ representatives and vice-chancellors. Traditional rulers, senators, commissioners, and officials were also present.
What’s your take on MAAUN’s global scholarship drive? Should more private universities adopt this model? Share your thoughts in the comments.