MAAUN Honours Late General Abacha, Baré Maïnassara

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has conferred posthumous Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Leadership on Nigeria’s former Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha, and the late President of the Republic of Niger, Ibrahim Baré Mainassara.

The awards were presented at the maiden convocation ceremony of the university held at its main campus in Kano on Saturday.

Alhaji Mohammad Abacha received the award on behalf of his late father, while Dr. AbdulRasheed Amadu collected the award on behalf of Late President Ibrahim Baré Mainassara.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of MAAUN, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, said the honour was in recognition of the contributions of the two leaders to humanity and national development in their respective countries.

According to Prof. Gwarzo, the university honoured Late General Sani Abacha in recognition of his remarkable leadership journey, distinguished military career, and contributions to national development and statecraft in Nigeria.

He noted that as military Head of State, General Abacha demonstrated decisive leadership with a strong emphasis on national stability.

Prof. Gwarzo highlighted that his administration initiated major infrastructural and developmental interventions, particularly through the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF).

He explained that the PTF remains one of the most visible legacies of the Abacha era, delivering projects across Nigeria in road construction, healthcare, education, water supply, and public transportation, especially in rural communities.

Baré Maïnassara, a former military ruler, led the Niger Republic until 1996 when he was killed in a coup in April 1999.

Bare maintained Niger’s role in regional cooperation and security discussions in West Africa during a volatile period.

Responding on behalf of the Abacha family, Alhaji Mohammad Sani Abacha expressed gratitude to the university for the honour.

He said the recognition not only acknowledges the late General’s enduring contributions but also immortalizes his commitment to education, progress, and values that align with the mission of MAAUN, named after Hajia (Dr.) Maryam Sani Abacha, whom he described as a beacon of compassion and empowerment.