As a tribute to the visionary leader and innovator, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, a mind-blowing webinar was organized to celebrate the legendary contributions of the Professor of French Linguistics cum philanthropist in various fields of endeavor.
The web conference, which served as a surprising package to the edupreneur on his 46th birthday, was presented by eminent scholars and researchers from within and outside Nigeria.
The theme of the webinar was “Honoring Prof. Gwarzo: Internationalization and World Class Education in sub-saharan Africa”.
The webinar had five panelists, who never met Prof. Gwarzo in person but stimulated by his drive for internationalization of education, decided to conduct a thorough research on his personality as well as his achievements, which provided them with the basis for honoring him with the program.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Hakeem I. Tijani, Morgan State University, USA, while elucidating the motivation behind the webinar, said Prof. Gwarzo deserved the encomium in view of his unwavering commitment in the provision of research grants to innovation centres which helps ignite passion for higher education research in Africa.
Prof. Tijani explained that based on his findings, Prof. Gwarzo’s universities have been found suitable and fit into the conventional metrics for world class education by having an inclusive pedagogic system of administration.
According to him, other stimulants for honoring Prof. Gwarzo with the overwhelming webinar include his provision of sustainable research and innovation partnerships, accessible education and students’ success, among others.
From her ends, Dr. Ifeyinwa Madu, Morgan State University, USA, celebrated Prof. Gwarzo for his incredible contributions towards the standardization of education in Africa, while describing his feats as legendary.
Dr. Madu submitted that she was moved by what she read about him on his philanthropy and deep benevolence, stressing that his vision to educate his people has been unfailingly transformational.
She stressed that when education can move beyond the barriers of tribalism as Gwarzo is painstakingly committed to providing, Nigeria would in no time take over the world.
In his contribution, the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr noted that the benefits of Internationalization in education could not be overemphasized as it facilitates the molding of students who are now more open-minded in accessing knowledge and different cultural learning experiences.
“According to UNESCO, with internationzalition, education not only develops students’ critical thinking and logical reasoning, but they are also well-prepared and well- equipped to engage with other people and businesses from other countries, wherever they may be, and this opens them to more opportunities,” Prof. Israr said.
Earlier, the Vice President Administration, MAAUN, Dr. Habib Awais, shared a perspective about the global administrative model in MAAUN, saying the university provides world class educational experience, inclusive environment for research and innovation in addition to providing ample opportunities for personal development.
Dr. Awais, while expressing deepest gratitude for the initiative, reiterated the commitment of MAAUN in maintaining its standards and operating in line with global best practices.
In her discussion, Prof. Ganiyat Adejoke, who traced the foundation of philanthropism to Islamic teachings, described Prof. Gwarzo’s track record in the establishment of four international universities as increasingly commendable, urging other well-to-do individuals in Nigeria and beyond to emulate him.
She also expressed reverence to the Edupreneur for his indelible contributions in the promotion of education in Africa, which includes a handsome donation of N50 million to IHERIS University in Togo, scholarship award to a foreign student who lost father in Gaza and other charitable practices that cut across regional and cultural diversities.
Prof. Adejoke who spoke at length on many areas of development where Prof. Gwarzo had touched, recommended the establishment of an International Students Office, as obtainable in other reputable institutions, which shall address and give priority to the concerns of foreign students.
Also speaking, Dr. Maruff Oladejo, University of Lagos, who took time to highlight the measurement standard of an international university, found the MAAUN group of universities as having all the features of a world class institution recognized globally for its excellence and quality across various disciplines, including academic programs, faculty, research, infrastructure and overall reputation.
He expressed adoration to Prof. Gwarzo for maintaining high academic standards, embracing global outreach through international collaboration, supporting cutting-edge research and innovation and fostering a culture of curiosity, discovery and problem solving.
In his remarks, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji, Al-Hikma University, said Prof. Gwarzo is a trailblazer in the transformation of the African higher education system while at the same time, cherishing his vision of bringing progressive development to the education sector.
He described Gwarzo as not only a man with vision, but one who monitors every part of his investments to ensure that no diversion is recorded from the initial plan.
During the roundtable, Dr. Samira Hassan of MAAUN, after cross examining the inadequacy of Nigerian institutions to cater for the growing demand of education among the citizenry, lauded Prof. Gwarzo for taking the driver seat in the journey of educational transformation.
Also, Dr. Abdullahi Sufi, Director AAG Foundation, explained the operations and areas covered by the Foundation as well as the success it recorded over the years.
Other renowned academic gurus that made invaluable contributions during the panel discussion were the Vice Chancellor, Northwest University, Sokoto, Prof. Ahmad Maigari Ibrahim, Director, Institute of Africa Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq, Dr. Abdullahi Garba, Coordinator, General Education Unit, Dr. Murtala Abdullahi, Coordinator Basic Science Unit and Vice Chancellor, Franco-British International University, Kaduna, Prof. Abdullahi Sabo, who gave the vote of thanks at the end of the program.
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