FOR every progressive mind, celebrating Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) should mean recognising progress, development, and education’s transformative power.
I recall an article by Dr Ibraheem Dooba on the growing number of private universities in Nigeria, in which he highlighted how universities contribute to development and help build cities. This aptly describes the impact MAAUN is making in Hotoro, Kano State.
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Since its establishment, MAAUN has become more than an institution of learning. It has created employment opportunities, stimulated business activities and contributed to the economic growth of its host community. The increasing demand for land, housing, transportation, food and other services has opened new opportunities for residents and business owners.
The appreciation in property values is another indication of this impact. According to land agent Muhammad Najume, a plot of land valued at ₦20 million in 2023 now sells for about ₦150 million or more.
This remarkable increase reflects growing demand and the economic activity associated with the university’s presence, with neighbouring communities also feeling its effects.
Beyond its economic contributions, MAAUN is making significant strides in education, professional development and entrepreneurship. Its students have recorded notable achievements, including excellence in nursing education.
More recently, a 300-level Business Administration student undertook a 120-hour continuous sewing marathon to set a Guinness World Record. Such an achievement demonstrates the importance of an educational environment that encourages creativity, enterprise and ambition.
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The university’s investment in modern infrastructure and its presence in university rankings, including Times Higher Education and the AD Scientific Index, further demonstrate its growing profile. These achievements deserve recognition and encouragement, especially in a region where investment in quality higher education is essential to developing human capital.
The founder, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, deserves commendation for this visionary investment. At a time when northern Nigeria needs more institutions that create opportunities for young people, MAAUN is helping shift Kano’s identity from a traditional centre of commerce to an increasingly important centre of learning. NigerianCulture Magazine
MAAUN’s impact goes beyond its classrooms and lecture halls. By attracting students, staff, businesses, and investors, the university stimulates economic activity and transforms its host community. Its presence shows how private investment in education can drive urban development, improve livelihoods, and create opportunities beyond the university itself.
As with any institution, some areas may require scrutiny and improvement. However, such assessments should be fair, constructive, and based on facts. MAAUN’s achievements and contributions deserve acknowledgement, not being overlooked. Where concerns arise, they should be addressed through appropriate channels while recognising the institution’s positive impact on education and community development.
MAAUN should be celebrated for the opportunities it creates for its employees, the businesses it supports, and the educational ambitions it inspires. Its growth represents an important contribution to Kano State’s development and the wider northern region.
As someone from Bauchi State, I sincerely wish to see a similar investment in my home state. Bauchi would benefit immensely from a strong private university that attracts investment, creates jobs, stimulates local businesses, and expands access to quality education. The MAAUN experience offers a valuable lesson: universities do not merely educate people; they can also transform the communities around them.
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If we genuinely want development in northern Nigeria, we must celebrate the institutions that drive it. MAAUN’s achievements deserve recognition, its contributions deserve acknowledgement, and its growth should inspire similar investments across the region. NigerianCulture Magazine
We should be proud of MAAUN because it represents more than a university; it represents an investment in people, economic growth and the future of northern Nigeria.
- Jalam writes from Jalam, Bauchi State.
