Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), situated in Kano, has in the last three years reshaped the future of education in Nigeria. Granted an operational licence in 2020 and commencing full academic activities in 2021, the university now has over 3,800 students studying various courses.
MAAUN is the first private university in Nigeria to commence academic activities with over 1,000 students, receiving more than 2,000 applications from across the country, including international students.
Starting with four schools tailored to the passions and interests of Nigerians, MAAUN now has three schools housing 19 undergraduate programmes. The School of Computing offers courses such as cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, data sciences, and software engineering. The School of Social and Management Sciences offers accounting, human resources management, mass communication, banking and finance, economics, and international relations. The School of Health Sciences includes medical laboratory sciences, public health, and a Doctor of Physiotherapy programme. The university also offers nursing sciences and recently established a School of Law, accredited by the Council of Legal Education, which commenced academic activities in 2023.
MAAUN takes full advantage of its location in one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Complementing their academics and research, students at MAAUN engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and music, as well as groups celebrating cultures from around Nigeria.
MAAUN is now regarded as a blessing to Kano, significantly impacting the local economy. The price of land in the Hotoro area, where the university is situated, has skyrocketed. Estate surveyors and valuers at Hotoro GRA attribute the rise in land prices to the presence of MAAUN.
Muhammad Najume, a land agent, noted that the rise in prices began immediately after the university started its academic activities. A plot of land that sold for N20 million in 2023 now sells for about N150 million or more. Najume attributed this increase to the economic situation and the university’s presence, which has also affected the Kawo Community.
Another agent, Mallam Isa, mentioned that a house that would have cost about N500,000 three years ago now costs N3 million. People are buying old houses to renovate them into hostels to accommodate students.
Musa Okuri, a resident and house owner, highlighted the university’s contributions to the community, including the renovation of a community secondary school named after the university’s founder, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo. Okuri noted that the establishment of new private universities in Northern Nigeria boosts the economy and helps build cities in the areas they are located.
Usman Yahaya, a businessman in the Hotoro area who sells shawarma and burgers, described the positive changes brought about by the university. He said that before MAAUN was established, he barely made a profit, but now there is security, and business is thriving.
Ibrahim Haladu, a provision store owner, also noted the business boom since the university’s establishment, attributing the growth and employment opportunities to the university.
Haruna Tijjani Kwa, a Business Administration student at MAAUN, praised the university and its conducive environment.
“I’m enjoying my stay here, and I’m proud of studying at Maryam Abacha American University,” Kwa stated.
Umma Salma Auwal Muhammad, a law student from Maiduguri, Borno State, described MAAUN as one of the best universities, providing a conducive learning environment and qualified lecturers.
“I live here at Hotoro. The people here treat us very well; I feel like I’m at home,” she said.
Through its educational offerings, community impact, and economic contributions, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria is reshaping the future of education and the local economy in Kano and beyond.
