By Isiyaku Jalam
For every progressive mind, celebrating Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) should be a matter of recognising progress, development and the transformative power of education.
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.
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 economic activities associated with the university’s presence, with neighbouring communities also experiencing the 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 in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record. Such an achievement demonstrates the importance of an educational environment that encourages creativity, enterprise and ambition.
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, particularly in a region where investment in quality higher education is essential for human capital development.
The founder, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, deserves commendation for this visionary investment. At a time when northern Nigeria needs more institutions capable of creating opportunities for young people, MAAUN is contributing to a shift in Kano’s identity from a traditional centre of commerce towards an increasingly important centre of learning.
MAAUN’s impact goes beyond its classrooms and lecture halls. By attracting students, staff, businesses and investors, the university is helping to stimulate economic activities and transform its host community. Its presence demonstrates how private investment in education can contribute to urban development, improve livelihoods and create opportunities for people beyond the university itself.
As with every institution, there may be areas that require scrutiny and improvement. However, such assessments should be fair, constructive and based on facts. The achievements and contributions of MAAUN deserve to be acknowledged rather than 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, the people it employs, the businesses it supports and the educational ambitions it inspires. Its growth represents an important contribution to the development of Kano State 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 capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, stimulating local businesses and expanding 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.
If we genuinely desire development in northern Nigeria, we must learn to celebrate institutions that contribute to it. MAAUN’s achievements deserve recognition, its contributions deserve acknowledgement, and its growth should inspire similar investments across the region.
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.
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Isiyaku Jalam writes from Jalam, Bauchi State