Professor Ibrahim A. Lawal has been appointed the new President of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, Maradi, ending founder Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo's 13 year tenure at the helm of the institution.

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

Speaking at the event, Gwarzo explained that the leadership transition formed part of efforts to strengthen the University and create room for other members of the academic community to contribute to its growth. He expressed confidence in the institution's future, noting that universities within the MAAUN Group could produce leaders capable of making significant contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

"It is my pleasure to see one of us who is a Deputy Governor. Maybe tomorrow I will see one of us as a president of Nigeria," Gwarzo stated.

He recalled that MAAUN Niger was established about 13 years ago with limited resources but had since expanded through determination, sincerity and integrity. According to him, the MAAUN Group now comprises four private universities across Africa, namely MAAUN Niger in Maradi, MAAUN Kano, Franco British International University in Kaduna, and Canadian University of Nigeria in Abuja.

Gwarzo described Lawal as a "double professor," pointing out that he holds professorial positions at both MAAUN Niger and Bayero University, Kano. He congratulated the incoming President and voiced confidence in his ability to lead effectively.

Sokoto State Deputy Governor and MAAUN alumnus, Idris Muhammad Gobir, described the transition as a significant moment in the University's history. Gobir revealed he was among the institution's pioneer students and the first candidate admitted into its PhD programme, having obtained his BSc, MSc and PhD degrees there. He commended Gwarzo for his investment in education and for creating opportunities for young people to pursue academic and professional ambitions.

"Alhaji Adamu Abubakar is the kind of person that we always pray to have in our community because he is one of those people whose aim is to push people to become better and create opportunities for others to realise their dreams," Gobir said.

In his remarks, Lawal thanked Gwarzo for entrusting him with the leadership of MAAUN Niger. Before his appointment, he served at Bayero University, Kano, where he held positions including Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Head of Department.