Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Halts N750,000 Graduation Fee At Maryam Abacha Varsity

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has ordered Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, to suspend the imposition and collection of an alleged N750,000 graduation fee pending the outcome of investigations.

The directive followed a petition submitted by concerned parents of graduating students, who accused the university of imposing what they described as an exorbitant and compulsory graduation charge. The parents further alleged that the institution threatened to withhold academic certificates and block National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation of students who failed to pay the fee.

In a letter dated November 27, 2025, and signed by Salisu Saleh, the Head of Operations, the Commission confirmed that it had taken up the matter and invoked its powers under Sections 9 and 15 of the PCACC Law, 2008 (as amended in 2010).

The Commission advised affected parents and students to suspend payment of the fee until investigations are concluded, while formally directing the university to maintain the status quo.

“The University has been officially directed to suspend the graduation fee process and refrain from withholding certificates or NYSC mobilisation on account of non-payment,” the Commission said.

PCACC Chairman Saidu Yahya confirmed that investigations were ongoing and assured that no party would be shortchanged. He noted that while universities may charge fees at their discretion, such payments must not be made compulsory or tied to the release of results, certificates or transcripts.

“Our concern is whether the N750,000 is being tied to the issuance of results and the NYSC mobilisation. If that is established, it will not stand,” Yahya said, adding that the Commission would not hesitate to sanction the university if violations were confirmed.

However, a senior official of MAAUN, Aliyu Kakaki, told LEADERSHIP in a telephone interview that discussions had been held with parents, an agreement reached, and a convocation date fixed for students who had paid. He added that the university management would brief the press on the matter in due course.