President and Founder of the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) and the MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has been honoured with the prestigious Trailblazer in Tertiary Education Award by Blueprint Newspaper.
The award was presented during the Blueprint Annual Excellence Awards held on Tuesday in Abuja, celebrating individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national development across sectors.
The event, attended by prominent political leaders, business magnates, and education stakeholders, marked a significant moment of recognition for Professor Gwarzo’s transformative impact on higher education in Nigeria and beyond. In his citation, the organizers praised him for his exceptional leadership and pioneering role in expanding access to quality university education across Africa.
They noted that through his vision and commitment, the MAAUN Group of Universities has become a model for academic innovation, international collaboration, and educational excellence.
Professor Gwarzo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. He has previously been honoured with several high-profile recognitions, including the Award of Excellence by the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris for his contribution to African education and the promotion of global academic ties.
He also received the Thabo Mbeki Leadership Award in recognition of his dedication to advancing university education in Nigeria, and a QAHE Honorary Fellowship for his relentless pursuit of quality and reform in the tertiary education landscape.
Speaking after receiving the award, Professor Gwarzo expressed profound gratitude to Blueprint Newspaper for the recognition. He reaffirmed his commitment to Africa’s educational transformation, describing education as the most sustainable vehicle for development.
According to him, the award is a motivation to continue investing in African youth and building institutions that can compete globally.
“This award is not just for me,” he said, “but for every young African who believes that education is the most powerful tool for change. We will continue to push boundaries, build bridges, and invest in the future through knowledge.”
The 2025 Blueprint Awards featured an impressive list of honourees from across political, security, and business sectors.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio was named Politician of the Year, while Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike was honoured as Person of the Year. The Excellence in Security Synergy Award* went to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in recognition of his role in enhancing coordination among security agencies.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the Governor of the Year Award in Education, while Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was named Governor of the Year in Peace and Security.
Senator Barau Jibrin emerged as the Outstanding Senator of the Year. Other governors, including those of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kogi, Anambra, and Katsina States, were also honoured for their developmental achievements.
Also recognized was the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, for his contributions to industrial growth and philanthropy, further highlighting the diverse achievements across public and private sectors in Nigeria.
The ceremony, which has grown in prominence over the years, served not only to celebrate achievements but also to inspire a renewed commitment to excellence, service, and national development.
For Professor Gwarzo, the honour reinforces his status as a leading light in Africa’s educational advancement and a symbol of what visionary leadership can achieve in shaping future generations.
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