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, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, MAAUN, Kano, after the late veteran journalist, Saleh Shehu Ashaka.
News Point Nigeria reports that Gwarzo disclosed this in a statement sent to the newspaper on Tuesday in Kano, saying the decision was taken in recognition of Ashaka’s philanthropic activities, commitment to humanity and immense contributions to society during his lifetime.
According to the MAAUN Group of Universities President, the three-storey laboratory is one of the key facilities developed by the university to strengthen practical medical education and provide students with a modern environment for hands-on learning and scientific training.
He said the facility comprises 12 laboratories specifically designed to support practical teaching and learning for students of the College of Medicine.
The laboratories, Gwarzo added, would enable students to acquire practical skills, conduct experiments and deepen their understanding of various aspects of medical science in a purpose-built academic environment.
He explained that the multipurpose laboratory was being equipped to meet the world-class standards expected of a modern university, reflecting MAAUN’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for medical education.
According to him, the development of the facility further underscored the university’s determination to provide medical students with quality learning resources and an environment that effectively combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Paying tribute to the late journalist, Gwarzo said Ashaka devoted himself to serving humanity, with many of his contributions only becoming widely known after his death.
“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,” Mr Gwarzo said.
The MAAUN Group President described the late Ashaka as a man who lived a life of impact and service, noting that he dedicated his professional 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 significantly enhance the quality of medical education at MAAUN.
Beyond serving as a centre for students’ practical training, the facility represents the university’s broader investment in infrastructure aimed at producing competent, skilled and well-trained medical professionals.
The late Ashaka, who died on May 3, was an accomplished journalist whose death was widely regarded as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the country at large.
He previously worked with the Voice of America, VOA, before resigning from the organisation in 2023.
The naming of the major MAAUN facility after the late veteran journalist is expected to serve as a lasting tribute to his enduring legacy of journalism, philanthropy and service to humanity, while ensuring that his name remains associated with education, knowledge and the training of future medical professionals.