The President and Founder of Maryam Abacha American University (MAAUN) Conglomerate and Franco-British International University (FBI-U), Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo has urged private universities to focus on standard and quality of education with a view to safeguarding academic excellence in private universities in Africa and the world over.
Professor Gwarzo stated this while delivering a paper as a Guest Speaker at the 8th Convocation Ceremony of IHERIS University Togo held on 30th October 2021 in Lome, Togo and made it available to journalists in Kano.
Professor Gwarzo who is also the President-General of the Association of African Private Universities (AAPU), advocates for a strategy that would protect Private Universities from Government Institutions, particularly those with self-serving interests, because according to him Private Universities bring a lot of value intellectually, educationally, thus creating additional job prospects and opportunities.
The MAAUN founder who presented a paper at the colourful occasion entitled “IMPACT OF UNIONISM AMONG AFRICAN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES” explained that society believes Universities can help it solve many of its problems; and industry is interested in universities and hence quality education is non-negotiable and therefore must be preserved.
Prof. Gwarzo highlights that in the current era of globalization and liberalization it is critical to attract, promote, and encourage the emergence of quality private universities, as well as to promulgate legislative groundwork for the establishment and incorporation of private self-financing universities in Africa, in order to contribute to the development of teaching and research in a private university.
According to Professor Gwarzo, “Due to accelerated growth and internationalization process of Universities, the need for quality standards in higher education is growing as a result of competitiveness. The pressure on University leadership to improve teaching quality, academic research, and other associated educational activities is causing them.
After the guest speakers delivered their papers, some prominent personalities were also awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Dr.) for their contributions to education and outstanding performance in many ways at their various capacities, among which are:
– His Excellency the Executive Governor of Nassarawa state, Engr Abdullahi Sule (heavily represented)
– The Executive Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Katsina, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa (heavily represented) and
– Barr. (Dr.) Maimuna Yaya Abubakar (Tozali Magazine)
Finally, Professor Gwarzo was equally awarded the African Leadership Iconic Award winner of the decade, for his numerous contributions towards lifting the standard and quality of education in Africa.
