By ibrahim H. Tinja
In the heart of Paris, where Europe’s oldest academic institutions stand as monuments to centuries of learning, a Nigerian professor has inscribed a new chapter in Africa’s educational history.
On Friday, June 13, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities and President of the Association of African Private Universities (AAPU), received the Award of Excellence from the prestigious Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris—a landmark recognition for his role in reshaping higher education across Africa.
The award was conferred during the university’s 100th anniversary—a celebration attended by global dignitaries, academics, and education policymakers. It marked a defining moment not just for the professor, but for African academia.
From Northern Nigeria to Global Spotlight
Prof. Gwarzo’s story reads like a modern academic epic. A native of Kano State and trained partly in France, he returned to the continent not to replicate foreign systems, but to design a new one: one rooted in African priorities, values, and aspirations.
His MAAUN institutions—now active across West Africa—offer an innovative blend of international standards and local relevance. They have attracted thousands of students seeking affordable, high-quality education without leaving the continent.
Presenting the award, Senator Jean Mac Sauve, President of the Cité Universitaire, was emphatic:
“Prof. Gwarzo has redefined what one man can do with a vision. He is a global bridge—linking Africa to the world and lifting his people through education.”
A National Honor, A Continental Symbol
Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, described the award as a collective honour for Nigeria and Africa.
“This recognition is a validation of African excellence. My own children have benefitted from his institutions. What Prof. Gwarzo has built is not just a university system—it is a movement.”
Across campuses in Kano, Maradi, and beyond, his model has empowered students from modest backgrounds to dream bigger, learn deeper, and lead boldly.
A Call to Africa’s Diaspora
Taking the podium, Prof. Gwarzo expressed gratitude to France for nurturing his academic foundation—but quickly turned to a larger theme.
“Africa is ready,” he said. “What we need is for her sons and daughters to return—not just physically, but with purpose. Let’s invest our minds where our roots lie. Let’s build institutions that last beyond us.”
He vowed to expand the MAAUN Group into a globally competitive academic network that would serve African needs while meeting international benchmarks.
Building the Future with African Hands
At a time when many African scholars still look outward for validation, Prof. Gwarzo represents a powerful alternative: the builder who stayed—and created something exceptional.
His work has not only challenged the status quo; it has offered a viable blueprint for others to follow—one that blends local ownership, global relevance, and a fierce commitment to youth empowerment.
As the night drew to a close beneath the Parisian sky, delegates agreed that this honour symbolized more than just one man’s achievements. It was, as one French official put it,
“A sign that Africa’s intellectual century has begun.”
And leading that charge is a quiet, determined man from Kano whose dream is already changing the world.
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Dan Zaki Media 