Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria has recorded a major academic milestone as it graduated its first set of students in a colourful convocation ceremony that blended excellence, vision, and global opportunity. The event did more than mark the end of undergraduate studies for hundreds of students; it opened international doors for outstanding scholars whose academic brilliance earned them fully funded foreign scholarships.
The maiden convocation of the Kano-based private university has since attracted nationwide attention, positioning MAAUN as a fast-rising institution committed to rewarding merit and producing globally competitive graduates.
A Landmark Moment in MAAUN’s Academic Journey
The first convocation ceremony of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria marked a defining chapter in the institution’s short but ambitious history. Established to deliver quality education with global relevance, the university has now successfully produced its pioneer graduates, validating its academic structure, faculty strength, and learning environment.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including representatives of government, traditional rulers, academics, and industry leaders. Their presence underscored the growing confidence in the institution and its role in shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria.
43 First-Class Graduates Earn Fully Sponsored Foreign Scholarships
The highlight of the convocation was the announcement that 43 students who graduated with first-class honours would receive fully funded foreign scholarships. The scholarships will enable the beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies abroad, offering them exposure to international academic systems and advanced research opportunities.
This bold initiative reflects the university’s philosophy that academic excellence should not only be celebrated but also strategically rewarded. By investing in the global education of its brightest graduates, MAAUN is contributing to the development of highly skilled professionals who can compete and excel on the world stage.
Graduation Statistics Reflect Strong Academic Performance
A total of 492 students graduated from various academic programmes during the ceremony. The breakdown of results highlighted strong academic outcomes across the board, with a significant number of students achieving top grades.
Beyond the first-class graduates, many students earned second-class upper and second-class lower degrees, reflecting a solid academic foundation and effective teaching standards within the institution. University officials described the results as evidence of discipline, dedication, and a supportive learning environment.
Best Graduating Student Honoured with Major Cash Prize
Academic excellence was further celebrated with a special award for the overall best graduating student. The top graduate, from the Department of Human Resource Management, received a cash prize of five million naira in recognition of her exceptional academic performance.
The award sent a strong message to students that hard work, focus, and consistency are not only acknowledged but also tangibly rewarded. It also reinforced the university’s commitment to motivating students to pursue excellence throughout their academic journey.
Rapid Growth and Expanding Academic Programmes
University leadership used the occasion to reflect on MAAUN’s rapid growth since it commenced academic activities. Starting with a modest number of programmes, the institution has expanded its academic offerings in a short period, responding to student demand and evolving global trends.
This expansion aligns with the university’s vision of producing graduates equipped with relevant skills for today’s competitive job market, while also laying the groundwork for advanced research and innovation.
Commitment to Global Standards and Student Development
Speakers at the convocation emphasized the importance of character, leadership, and lifelong learning alongside academic achievement. Graduates were encouraged to act as ambassadors of the university, upholding its values wherever their careers or further studies may take them.
The foreign scholarship initiative was described as part of a broader strategy to internationalize education, strengthen global partnerships, and ensure that Nigerian graduates are not left behind in the global knowledge economy.
What This Means for Nigerian Higher Education
The success of MAAUN’s first convocation sends a powerful signal to the Nigerian education sector. It demonstrates how private universities can complement public institutions by investing heavily in quality, innovation, and student incentives.
By linking academic excellence to global opportunities, MAAUN is helping to reduce educational barriers and inspire students across the country to aim higher, work harder, and dream beyond borders.
A Promising Future for Graduates and the Institution
As the pioneer graduates step into the next phase of their lives, many carrying the hopes of international education, the university itself is also stepping confidently into the future. The maiden convocation has laid a strong foundation for subsequent graduating classes and positioned MAAUN as a university to watch in Nigeria’s evolving higher education landscape.
With its emphasis on merit, global exposure, and student success, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria has not only celebrated a graduation ceremony but has also made a statement about the kind of academic legacy it intends to build.
