The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, hosted the United Nations Pact for the Future Summit Step-Down Workshop, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation, education, and sustainable development in Africa.
The workshop, organized by the United Nations Pact for the Future Consortium in collaboration with MAAUN, convened leaders from government, academia, traditional institutions, civil society, and the diplomatic community to explore strategies for localizing and implementing the UN’s global agenda in Africa.
The event featured technical sessions, panel discussions, and case studies, all focused on youth empowerment, innovation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Global and Local Voices Converge
Among the notable dignitaries were the Deputy Head of Mission of the Polish Embassy in Nigeria, Prof. Maciej Klósak; Political Officer, Dr. Patriya Zaja; and Dr. Sabina Brakoniecka, Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw.
In his keynote address, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana and Mauritania, Amb. Bala Sani, highlighted the role of UN agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in promoting global socio-economic progress. He described the workshop as timely, given Nigeria’s current development challenges.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Director of the Center for Gender Studies at Bayero University Kano, Amb. Safiya Nuhu, stressed the importance of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university curricula to deepen students’ understanding of global development issues.
MAAUN’s Commitment to Innovation
Founder of MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, underscored the urgent need for young people to embrace innovation as a pathway to sustainable development and prosperity.
He reiterated the university’s commitment to advancing international cooperation and partnerships that foster economic growth.
“MAAUN will continue to collaborate with global partners to create meaningful change at both local and continental levels,” he said.
Earlier, MAAUN President, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, welcomed participants and described the workshop as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
He praised Hajia Khadija Sanusi Gumbi, Managing Director of Mecin Consultant Ltd, for her leadership in convening the program.
Strengthening Education and Global Partnerships
The event also drew participation from MAAUN senior management, including Dr. Hamza Garba, Vice President (Campus Life); Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna, Director, Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation; and several deans and heads of departments.
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of MAAUN’s dedication to driving education, innovation, and global cooperation as essential tools for Africa’s sustainable development.
