Gwarzo Appoints Prof. Ibrahim Lawal as New President of MAAUN Niger.

Founder of the Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN), Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has appointed Prof. Ibrahim A. Lawal as the new President of MAAUN Niger, Maradi.

The appointment marks the end of Gwarzo’s 13-year tenure as president of the institution, which he has led since its establishment.

Lawal’s appointment letter was formally presented to him during a ceremony held in Maradi, Niger Republic, on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Gwarzo said the leadership transition was aimed at strengthening the university and providing other members of the academic community with opportunities to contribute to its continued development.

He expressed confidence in the future of MAAUN and said the institutions under the MAAUN Group had the potential to produce leaders capable of making significant contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

Gwarzo described Lawal as a “double professor,” noting that he holds professorial positions at both MAAUN Niger and Bayero University, Kano. He congratulated the new president and expressed confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership.

The MAAUN founder also recalled that the university was established about 13 years ago with limited resources but has since expanded through what he described as determination, sincerity and integrity.

According to him, the MAAUN Group has grown into four private universities across Africa: MAAUN Niger in Maradi, MAAUN Kano, Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna, and Canadian University of Nigeria (CUN), Abuja.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Sokoto State Deputy Governor and MAAUN alumnus, Idris Muhammad Gobir, described the leadership transition as an important milestone in the university’s history.

Gobir said he was among the institution’s pioneer students and the first group admitted into its PhD programme. He added that he obtained his BSc, MSc and PhD degrees from the university.

He commended Gwarzo for his investment in education and his efforts to create opportunities for young people to pursue their academic and professional ambitions.

In his remarks, Prof. Lawal thanked Gwarzo for entrusting him with the leadership of MAAUN Niger and for expressing confidence in his ability to lead the institution.

Before his appointment, Lawal served at Bayero University, Kano, where he held several positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Head of Department.

His appointment ushers in a new chapter in the leadership of MAAUN Niger, as he succeeds Gwarzo, who led the institution for 13 years.