Prof. Gwarzo Advances Nigeria’s Higher Education Presence at European Conference
Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, Founder and President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, participated in the 2024 Annual Conference of the European Association for International Education (EAIE) held in Toulouse, France, alongside an elite group of Nigerian higher education professionals.
The EAIE conference is Europe’s largest and most influential platform for international higher education, attracting educators, university leaders, and policymakers from around the globe.
In addition to Prof. Gwarzo, the Nigerian delegation included key figures in the education sector such as Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC); Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano; Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja; and Sunny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Their participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to the internationalization of its higher education sector and its determination to expand global partnerships, which is a key focus of Professor Gwarzo.
For over 30 years, the EAIE has empowered higher education professionals by promoting the internationalization of academic institutions. The 2024 conference continued this legacy with an emphasis on innovative approaches to global education, student mobility, research collaboration, and the role of universities in addressing global challenges.
Prof. Gwarzo’s involvement at this significant event is a testament to his unwavering dedication to elevating MAAUN’s status as a global center of academic excellence and enhancing the tertiary education sector in Nigeria and Africa.
Under his visionary leadership, the MAAUN group—including MAAUN Nigeria and Niger, Franco-British International Kaduna, and the Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja—has emerged as a model of educational innovation, providing students with international learning experiences that prepare them for success in the global marketplace.
At the EAIE conference, Prof. Gwarzo highlighted MAAUN’s commitment to research, innovation, and fostering strong collaborations with universities and research institutions worldwide.
“We at MAAUN are determined to stay at the forefront of global academic trends. Our mission is to create a dynamic academic environment that meets today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges,” said Prof. Gwarzo. He emphasized the importance of building robust international networks that enhance academic standards and promote cross-border research partnerships.
Through MAAUN’s involvement in global forums like the EAIE, Prof. Gwarzo has successfully positioned the university group as a leading player within the international academic community. He is deeply committed to fostering student and faculty exchanges, cross-border research initiatives, and collaborations with renowned institutions in Europe, Africa, America, and beyond.
The Nigerian delegation’s participation in the EAIE conference also highlights the country’s strategic efforts to reform its educational landscape through global integration. Chris Maiyaki, representing the NUC, emphasized the role of international conferences in shaping policies that align Nigerian universities with global best practices. His involvement, along with that of other key Nigerian higher education leaders, reflects a unified approach to creating a competitive and globally relevant higher education system.
Sunny Echono of TETFund and other Nigerian educational leaders echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to leverage international collaborations to enhance research output, faculty development, and overall education quality in Nigeria.
Both Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas from Bayero University, Kano, and Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi from the University of Abuja agreed that Nigeria’s presence at such global conferences is vital for knowledge exchange and innovation.
As the EAIE conference concluded, it became clear that the relationships forged and the ideas exchanged would have a lasting impact on higher education in Nigeria. Prof. Gwarzo’s leadership and commitment to global collaboration continue to propel MAAUN forward, solidifying its role as a leader in international education. By fostering a culture of innovation, research, and global partnerships, MAAUN is setting a new standard for educational excellence across Africa and beyond.
Prof. Gwarzo’s vision for MAAUN is anchored in the belief that education is a global endeavor. Through sustained collaboration with international institutions, MAAUN is poised to thrive as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Africa and on the world stage.
