Gwarzo receives international award for advancing higher education in Africa

The Cité Universitaire de Paris has conferred an Award of Excellence on Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, President of the Association of African Private Universities (AAPU), in recognition of his contributions to higher education in Africa and beyond.

The award was presented on Friday, June 13, 2025, by the university’s president, Senator Jean Mac Sauve, during an event marking the institution’s 100th anniversary and a forum on the Internationalisation of African Higher Education and Research. Scholars and educators from around the world attended the occasion.

Senator Jean Mac Sauve commended Prof. Gwarzo, stating, “He has made France proud in Africa as an alumnus of a French institution.” He also praised Gwarzo’s investments in higher education, describing him as “deserving of commendation for his commitment to promoting the sector.”

Representing Nigeria at the ceremony, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, acknowledged the significance of the award and lauded Prof. Gwarzo’s achievements. She noted that the honour reflected his dedication to advancing education and his positive impact on academia.

Dr. Sani highlighted Gwarzo’s role in establishing three universities in Nigeria and expressed personal appreciation, stating, “Two of my children have benefited from his universities.”

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Gwarzo expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding educational opportunities across Africa and beyond. He urged African scholars in the diaspora to return and contribute to the continent’s development, remarking, “Africa remains a virgin land that needs significant transformation.”

Prof. Gwarzo stated that the award would serve as further motivation to enhance global education and strengthen the efforts of the MAAUN Group of Universities in delivering quality education for socio-economic development.

The event underscored the global acknowledgment of Prof. Gwarzo’s contributions to higher education, reinforcing his role in shaping academic progress in Africa.

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