THE Founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has urged newly admitted students to shun social vices, embrace discipline and pursue academic excellence as they begin their university education.
News Point Nigeria reports that Professor Gwarzo gave the charge on Tuesday during the matriculation ceremony of 1,056 students admitted into the university for the 2025/2026 academic session at the institution’s Kano campus. The event also highlighted the university’s rapid growth, expanding international partnerships and commitment to quality education since its establishment.
Addressing the fresh students, the renowned academic stressed that MAAUN has maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and lawlessness from its inception and would continue to uphold the values upon which the institution was founded.
He urged the students to remain focused on their studies and cultivate good moral values, noting that success should not be measured solely by academic qualifications but also by integrity, discipline and character capable of serving as a positive example to society.
“Stay away from drugs and anything that can destroy your future. This university is built on good character, learning and excellence, and we will not tolerate anything that undermines these core values,” Prof. Gwarzo said.
The warning comes at a time when concerns continue to mount over the growing prevalence of drug abuse among young people in Nigeria, particularly within higher institutions of learning. Education and social development experts have repeatedly linked the trend to school dropouts, declining moral standards and increasing involvement in criminal activities.
Against this backdrop, the MAAUN founder encouraged the students to remain steadfast and avoid anything capable of jeopardising their future ambitions or tarnishing the reputation of their families.
He also advised them to maximise the numerous opportunities available within the university by striving for academic excellence, participating actively in research and acquiring skills that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development after graduation.
The matriculation ceremony also served as a reflection of MAAUN’s remarkable growth and rising profile in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Since its establishment in 2022, the university has continued to attract widespread recognition from students, parents and stakeholders due to its quality education, modern facilities and strong international collaborations.
University officials disclosed that MAAUN currently has more than 5,000 students, with female students accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the student population, a development seen as a strong demonstration of the institution’s commitment to promoting women’s education and nurturing future leaders.
The university has equally expanded its global footprint through the signing of more than 70 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with universities and organisations across 31 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, China, Russia, India and Brazil.
Parents, guardians, members of the university management and other distinguished guests attended the matriculation ceremony as the newly admitted students took their matriculation oath and formally commenced their academic journey at the institution.
With its growing student population, expanding international partnerships and emphasis on discipline, character and academic excellence, MAAUN continues to position itself as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing private universities.