MAAUN Founder Prof Gwarzo Honoured With Chancellorship of Hausa Community in Europe

By Al-Amin Ciroma 

Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), has been appointed Chancellor of the Hausa Community in Europe in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of Hausa language, culture and community development.

The appointment, The National Lens gathered, was announced by the Emir of the Hausa Community in Europe, Alhaji Surajo Jankado, during the 2026 International Hausa Day celebration in Paris, France.

The honour places Gwarzo in a prominent cultural leadership role within the growing Hausa diaspora in Europe, with particular emphasis on preserving the language and cultural identity of younger generations living outside Nigeria.

Accepting the appointment, Gwarzo expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Hausa Community in Europe for the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged to work with community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen the promotion of Hausa language, culture, identity and unity among Hausa communities across Europe.

He also called for greater cooperation among Hausa communities in different European countries, stressing that education, cultural preservation and unity would be essential to keeping the heritage of the Hausa people alive among younger generations.

Our correspondent reports that the International Hausa Day event attracted members of the Hausa diaspora, traditional rulers, academics, cultural advocates and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the language and heritage of the Hausa people.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented at the event by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, described Gwarzo's appointment as well deserved, citing his contributions to community service both in Nigeria and Europe.

The governor said Gwarzo had consistently supported efforts to promote Hausa language and culture and deserved recognition on the international stage.

Gwarzo was among several prominent personalities turbaned during the celebration, alongside Minister of Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed; Nigeria's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Dr Hajjo Sani; and Alaja Mufeedah Folashade Bola Tinubu, Iyaloja.

The appointment further expands Gwarzo's public role beyond academia and entrepreneurship, placing him at the centre of efforts to strengthen cultural connections between Hausa communities in Europe and their ancestral homeland.

The development also highlights the growing importance of diaspora-led initiatives in preserving Nigeria's indigenous languages and cultural heritage in an increasingly globalised world.