MAAUN Celebrates Maiden Convocation, Awards Scholarships To Top Graduates

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has awarded fully funded foreign postgraduate scholarships to 43 students who graduated with First Class honours at its maiden convocation ceremony.

The scholarships were announced by the Founder of the university, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, during the ceremony held on Saturday at the institution’s main campus in Kano.

Prof. Gwarzo said the scholarship package would sponsor the beneficiaries to pursue Master’s degree programmes in any country of their choice, describing the initiative as part of the university’s commitment to rewarding excellence and nurturing global scholars.

He congratulated the graduating students on their outstanding performance and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of MAAUN wherever they may study or work.

In his address, the President of the university, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammed Israr, disclosed that MAAUN commenced academic activities in 2022 with 15 programmes across four schools, and has since expanded to 22 academic programmes across eight schools.

He noted that the institution’s ranking as the second-best private university in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index underscores its dedication to academic excellence and quality education.

According to Prof. Israr, a total of 492 students graduated from 12 academic programmes during the convocation. Of the number, 43 earned First Class honours, 220 graduated with Second Class Upper degrees, while 229 obtained Second Class Lower degrees.

Earlier, the Chancellor of the university and Director of the European Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Education (ECLEE), France, Prof. Mahamouda Salouhou, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to uphold the values and ideals of the institution.

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Wali Sulaiman Sani, assured that the state government would continue to support the education sector and deepen collaboration with private institutions.

In a goodwill message, Prof. Hakeem Ibukunle Tijani of Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, commended Prof. Gwarzo for his vision and resilience, particularly in fostering academic collaboration between MAAUN and Morgan State University.

Also speaking, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Usman Yakasai, described the maiden convocation as a defining milestone, noting that MAAUN has grown rapidly to become one of the most sought-after private universities in the North-West.

The overall best graduating student, Khadija Ibrahim Manzo of the Department of Human Resource Management, was awarded ₦5 million by the Founder.

The convocation ceremony was attended by representatives of state governors, vice-chancellors, traditional rulers, senators, commissioners, and other top government officials from across the country.