Maryam Abacha Varsity: Transforming Education and Healthcare in 12 Years
Since its inception in 2013, the Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) in Maradi, Niger Republic, has made remarkable contributions to the education and healthcare sectors. The institution has notably produced five Provosts of Nursing Colleges across Borno, Yobe, and Bauchi States, as well as more than 1,000 trained medical laboratory scientists and over 400 law graduates.
Among the notable nursing graduates is Dr. Hadiza Sabo, who currently serves as the Provost of Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery in Damaturu, Yobe State. She is joined by fellow alumni Dr. Hadiza Yahya, Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences in Maiduguri, Borno State, and Dr. Rakiya Saleh, Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences in Bauchi, Bauchi State. All three graduates completed both their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at MAAUN.
Additionally, Kiloh Nifor, the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences in Jalingo, Taraba State, and Dr. Yusuf Bello, Provost of the Kaduna State College of Nursing Sciences, are also proud alumni of the university.
Founded by the philanthropist and French linguistics scholar Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, MAAUN has swiftly established itself as a pillar of academic excellence. The institution’s Faculty of Law, launched in 2015, has produced over 400 law graduates, with more than 100 having already been called to the Nigerian Bar.
Dr. Gwarzo noted, “The Nursing degree program significantly increased the number of nursing graduates in Nigeria. Since we began offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2012, we have graduated over 2,000 students who now provide invaluable healthcare services both within Nigeria and abroad.”
Barrister Umar Isa Sulaiman, a law lecturer at MAAUN, emphasized the success of their graduates, stating, “Since our Faculty began operations in 2013, our graduates have secured positions in various government agencies and parastatals. Some even serve as Sharia Court Judges and Magistrates, while others work with the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Our alumni are making notable contributions in private practice as well.”
The impact of MAAUN extends beyond the classroom, positively influencing the lives and careers of numerous Nigerians. Hamisu Iliyasu, a nursing graduate from Sokoto State, shared his sentiments: “Universities in the North rarely offer Nursing programs, compelling many to look South or settle for lower ranks in civil service. Our esteemed Maryam Abacha American University came to our rescue, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
Dr. Kabiru Mahmud, a faculty member in the Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, further highlighted the university’s achievements: “MAAUN has significantly increased the number of Medical Laboratory Scientists, both in Northern Nigeria and across the nation. We attract students from far and wide, including Lagos, Benin, and Ibadan. MAAUN is the leading institution producing young Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria, filling a vital gap in the healthcare workforce.”
Current checks revealed that several MAAUN alumni are working in prestigious institutions such as the National Hospital in Abuja and the Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano State. Additionally, the university boasts a commendable representation of nurses working in Canada, the USA, and other countries beyond West Africa.
With its commitment to academic excellence and community service, the Maryam Abacha American University of Niger continues to shape the future of healthcare and legal professions, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
By PRNigeria
