Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) Commissioned by Dr Maryam Sani Abacha
By
Musa Abdullahi Sufi
Maradi, Niger Republic
Maradi, Niger Republic
26th December, 20016
-N 1billion Allocated for Permanent Site construction-Two Former Nigerian First Ladies graced the event
- Niger Republic First Lady, Higher Education Minister and Maradi Regional Governor joined
Thursday 22nd December 2016 another history recorded between Nigeria and Niger Republic relations as Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) commissioned at the University’s permanent site located at Jiratawa Village in Maradi, Niger Republic. The school permanent site is about 5 km away from the current occupied temporary site in Maradi Regional Capital, Niger Republic.
The MAAUN management welcomed two former first ladies from Nigeria. Dr Maryam Sani Abacha, the wife of Late General Sani Abacha and Hajiya Turai Yaradua the former first lady and wife of Late Umaru Musa Yaradua.
Other important dignitaries at this historic and colourful event includes; first lady and wife of Niger Republic President Dr (Mrs) Malika Issoufou Mamadou, Niger Higher Education Ministers and Governors.
During the lying down foundation of the permanent site the MAAUN Management confirmed, it will spend N1 Billion Naira for the building of the school permanent site.
The MAAUN pioneer, owner and the school president Dr Adamu Gwarzo lamented that “The N1billion will also be used for the construction of lecture theatres, classrooms, administrative blocks and laboratories in the university,” President said at the ceremony.
“The establishment of the University will bring about boosting of socio-economic development of Niger Republic in general and the state of Maradi in particular.” Mr Gwarzo Shed more light.
The school president further disclosed to the gathering that the school will be equipped with standard state of arts required for the students; particularly in the areas of health, environment and technological sciences and studies.
The MAAUN proprietor Dr Gwarzo further provides details of the construction and the importance of the school for the two countries.
“The management will provide all the infrastructural development at the permanent site in phases. The university pledges to lay solid foundation and contribute its quota in the educational sector with the aim of strengthening the existing relationship between Niger and Nigeria.” He said.
In her address at the commissioning Mrs Hajiya Maryam Sani Abacha who is the MAAUN's Board of Trustees Chairperson, emphasized on the good relationship that exist between the two countries.
“Niger Republic and Nigeria are well known for their close and historic relations which has grown over time.” She lamented.
Mrs Abacha further remarks that “ ….I feel particularly thrilled and confident that this university, being the first English Speaking University in this country will greatly compliment the broad and rich academic culture that already exist in Niger Republic particularly in the universities and other tertiary institutions.
“ I am thus happy that the Thrust of the University is clearly focused on knowledge, creativity, discipline and manpower development. No doubt Niger Republic and the entire West African Sub region now and in the future will greatly benefit from the thrust and vision of this university” She said.
The former Nigerian first lady applauded the administration of the University for naming the School after her.
“For the kind consideration of naming the university, I wish to immensely thank the founder and president of the University Dr Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, the administrative and academic staffs as well the entire university community…” she told the gathering.
MAAUN is the first English University in the country with high records of influx of students from Nigeria due to its proximity, professional lecturers, equipment, support, serene learning environment, respect, friendly and good standard expectations for international students. The MAAUN mission is to provide knowledge for research and development of needed manpower resources for the growth of students and the society at large.
