The Cité Universitaire de Paris, a leading university ranked as the best university in France and 12th in the European continent, has honoured Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, the President of Association of African Private Universities (AAPU) with an Award of Excellence for his outstanding contributions to education in Africa and beyond.
Prof. Gwarzo, who is the President of MAAUN Group of Universities, was presented with the prestigious award on Friday, June 13, 2025, by the President of the University, Senator Jean Mac Sauve.
The presentation of the award which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the institution and hosting of a forum on the Internationalisation of African Higher Education and Research, was attended by academics of high repute from various institutions across the globe.
In his remarks, Senator Jean Mac Sauve said he’s happy with Prof. Gwarzo for making France proud in Africa being an alumni of French institution.
While praising Prof. Gwarzo for investing in higher education, Senator Jean Mac Sauve said the Nigerian University proprietor deserved to be commended for his commitment to promoting the sector.
Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, represented Nigeria at the occasion where she commended the University for finding Prof. Gwarzo worthy of the award while also praising him for achieving the feat.
She noted that the prestigious recognition highlighted Prof. Gwarzo’s dedication and commitment to advancing education and his impact on the entire academic community.
Dr. Hajo Sani, who commended Prof. Gwarzo for investing hugely in higher education, further lauded him for singlehandedly establishing three universities in Nigeria, saying two of her children are beneficiaries of the universities.
In his remark at the occasion, Prof. Gwarzo expressed gratitude to the French university for the honour done to him and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the cause of education beyond the borders of the African continent.
He, however, called on all African intellectuals in diaspora to return to Africa after graduation in order to contribute their quota towards the development of Africa, noting that the entire continent is still a virgin place that needed significant development.
The award, he said, would further inspire him in promoting global education and ensuring that the MAAUN Group of Universities continues to lead in delivering quality education for the socio-economic development of the society.
The presentation of the Award of Excellence served as a tangible acknowledgement of Prof. Gwarzo’s outstanding contributions and his unwavering commitment to the development of higher education on the global stage.
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