MAAUN Names Medical Lab After Late Journalist Ashaka

The President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has named the newly- constructed three-storey multipurpose laboratory at the College of Medicine of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, after the late veteran journalist, Saleh Shehu Ashaka.

Gwarzo disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Kano, saying the decision was in recognition of Ashaka’s philanthropic activities, commitment to humanity and contributions to society during his lifetime.

According to him, the three-storey facility is one of the key infrastructure projects developed to strengthen practical medical education at the university and provide students with a modern environment for hands-on learning and scientific training.

The facility comprises 12 laboratories designed to support practical teaching and learning for students of the College of Medicine. The laboratories will enable students to acquire practical skills, conduct experiments and deepen their understanding of various aspects of medical science.

Gwarzo said the laboratory was being equipped to meet world-class standards for modern university education, reaffirming MAAUN’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for medical training.

He said the project demonstrated the university’s determination to provide medical students with quality learning resources and an environment that effectively combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

“Saleh gave himself to the people in ways many were not aware of until after his death. It is good to honour people like Saleh who served humanity with their all. He will continue to be remembered in our prayers because of the impact he made during his lifetime,” Gwarzo said.

He described the late Ashaka as a man who lived a life of impact and service, noting that he dedicated his career to upholding the ethics and professionalism of journalism.

“He was a committed journalist whose work earned him respect across the country and beyond,” he added.

The three-storey laboratory building, with its 12 dedicated laboratories and purpose-built facilities for practical medical training, is expected to enhance the quality of medical education at MAAUN.

Gwarzo said the facility would not only serve as a centre for practical training but also reflect the university’s broader investment in infrastructure aimed at producing competent and well-trained medical professionals.

Ashaka, who died on May 3, was an accomplished journalist whose death was widely described as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry. He previously worked with the Voice of America (VOA) before resigning from the organisation in 2023.

The naming of the MAAUN facility after him is expected to serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy in journalism, philanthropy and humanitarian service, while preserving his memory through a facility dedicated to education, knowledge and the training of future medical professionals.