Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), through its African Institute for Solutions and Development (AISD), in partnership with Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna, has paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, at his palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.
AISD, the development-focused arm of MAAUN, said the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration, deepening engagement with the host community, and enhancing the visibility of the MAAUN Group of Universities.
Speaking during the visit, the President of FBIU, Prof. Abdullahi Sabo Muhammad, described the occasion as a historic milestone for the institution. He noted that it marked FBIU’s first formal visit to the Zazzau Emirate and to the traditional ruler as the father of the host community.
He explained that the visit was both deliberate and symbolic, stressing the importance of formally notifying the Emir of the university’s presence and academic operations within the community.
Prof. Sabo further informed the monarch that FBIU, Kaduna, was established in 2022 by Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo and commenced academic activities in February 2025. According to him, the university currently runs 17 academic programmes across four schools.
Earlier, the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Isar, conveyed the goodwill message of the Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities to the Emir. He emphasised that institutions under the MAAUN umbrella are structured to meet global standards while addressing local and national development priorities.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of AISD, Dr. Salisu Mohammed, described the institute as a strategic bridge between academia and development practice.
“As part of the vision of MAAUN Group of Universities, the Institute was established to transform the traditional educational system into a development-focused model that responds directly to societal challenges,” he said.
Dr. Salisu added that the MAAUN Group is expanding access to its institutions beyond conventional students to include the wider community, ensuring that education-driven development initiatives have broad-based impact.
He disclosed that AISD has designed practical intervention models to tackle pressing social issues, including the challenge of out-of-school children. He expressed confidence that with structured programmes and the support of the Zazzau Emirate, tangible results could be achieved within a short period.
In his response, the Emir of Zazzau expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as purposeful and focused on solving real community problems. He voiced optimism about the future of Franco-British International University, urging the institution to sustain quality education and uphold high academic standards.
Members of the delegation included Alhaji Mukhtar Shitu, Alhaji Ahmed N. Muhammad, Hajiya Nafisa Ado, Malam Ibrahim J. Aliyu, and Umar Faruk Tukur, among others.
