The Hausa Community in Europe has appointed the President of MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, as its Chancellor in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of the Hausa language and culture and his support for Hausa communities.

The appointment was announced by the Emir of the Hausa Community in Europe, Surajo Jankado, during the 2026 International Hausa Day celebration in Paris, France.

Jankado said the appointment was intended to strengthen efforts towards promoting unity and development among Hausa communities across Europe.

Accepting the appointment, Gwarzo thanked the leadership of the community for the recognition and pledged to work with stakeholders to promote Hausa language, culture, identity and unity among Hausa people living across European countries.

He said the position would provide another platform to support initiatives aimed at preserving Hausa heritage and helping younger generations in the diaspora maintain connections with their language, culture and values.

Gwarzo also called for greater cooperation among Hausa communities across Europe, identifying education, cultural preservation and unity as important to sustaining the community’s identity outside Africa.

The academic and university administrator is the founder and President of MAAUN Group of Universities, which includes Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria in Kano and Maryam Abacha American University in Niger Republic.

The International Hausa Day event brought together members of the Hausa community, traditional leaders, academics, cultural advocates and other stakeholders to celebrate Hausa language and heritage.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented at the event by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, congratulated Gwarzo on the appointment.

Yusuf described the recognition as merited, citing Gwarzo’s community service and involvement in efforts to promote Hausa language and culture in Nigeria and abroad.

“Prof. Gwarzo deserves such recognition at the international level due to his unwavering support in promoting Hausa language and culture over the years,” the governor said.

The governor also congratulated other Nigerians honoured during the 2026 International Hausa Day celebration in Paris.

They included the Minister of Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad; Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Dr Hajo Sani; and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General.

The Paris gathering formed part of activities celebrating Hausa language, culture and identity while providing a meeting point for members of the Hausa diaspora and cultural stakeholders.

For Gwarzo, the appointment adds a diaspora cultural role to his work in higher education, with the new Chancellor pledging to use the position to support greater cooperation among Hausa communities and the preservation of the language and culture among younger generations in Europe.