Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN) Maradi, has matriculated no fewer than 430 students for the 2025/2026 academic session to pursue undergraduate studies in various fields of human endeavour.

The university, which was founded in 2013 as the first bilingual university in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been contributing to the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students in science and humanities

This is in addition to the promotion of research and innovation across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, the Director-Campus of the university, Dr. Shu’aibu Usman-Tanko, reminded the students of the task ahead and urged them to always abide by the rules and regulations governing the university.

“Matriculation ceremony essentially denotes the formal admission of candidates who are adjudged, academically qualified, emotionally stable, and psychologically ready to cope with the rigorous challenges of academic engagement,” he said.

Dr. Usman Tanko charged the newly admitted students to be focused and avoid acts capable of tarnishing their image and that of the institution as the university has zero tolerance for misconduct.

In separate interviews with some of the students, they described MAAUN as a conglomerate of universities known for academic excellence.

“MAAUN has given us the opportunity to grow. As you can see, many MAAUN health science graduates with professional careers are working abroad. The university is breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse learning environment,” one of the students said.

The permanent site of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger–Maradi located at Gwarzo town Djiratawa Maradi, is currently under construction with a sum of N10 billion committed to that effect.

Maryam Abacha American University has in its fold MAAUN-Maradi, MAAUN Kano, Nigeria, Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna and Canadian University of Nigeria (CUN), Abuja.

A faction within the Peoples Redemption Party has publicly criticized the party’s purported national chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, accusing him of engaging in unauthorized alliances with opposition politicians, according to a statement delivered at a press briefing in Kano.

Speaking at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Monday, Comrade Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, who is the National Chairman of PRP-Vanguard, alleged that a Kaduna-based faction of the party recently conducted what he described as a “sham convention” in Abuja, producing a new leadership not recognized by his group.

Daudu claimed that the faction, referred to as the “Falalu faction,” subsequently announced an open invitation to opposition politicians—many of whom he described as “discredited” to join the party, a move he said contradicts the ideological foundation of the PRP. He characterized the development as “a travesty and total abuse” of the party’s constitution and historical identity.

According to Daudu, the PRP is rooted in socialist principles and was established to advance the interests of the working class rather than serve as a platform for political realignment among elite actors. He emphasized that the party’s mission is to promote socialism in Nigeria, not to replace one capitalist structure with another.

He further argued that Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, whom he claimed was not originally a member of the party, lacks the legitimacy to lead it or redefine its direction. Daudu accused him of acting in ways that are “insensitive” to party members and described his leadership style as “authoritarian and feudal.”

In his remarks, Daudu also criticized what he termed the “Kaduna Mafia,” alleging that the group represents entrenched political interests aligned with the ruling class rather than grassroots movements. He claimed that such actors are complicit in sustaining the current economic system, which he linked to widespread poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

Referencing the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daudu accused the federal government of presiding over worsening economic conditions, claiming that millions of Nigerians are facing hardship under current policies. He alleged that the same political elite are attempting to reposition themselves through infiltration of smaller parties like the PRP.

Daudu stated that the PRP is currently involved in legal proceedings over the leadership dispute and warned potential political defectors against associating with what he described as an illegitimate faction. “The PRP is not for sale,” he said, adding that any attempts to co-opt the party would be resisted.

Addressing calls for reconciliation within the الحزب, Daudu questioned the basis for unity, asking whether it would be built on “illegality or co-option.” He also raised concerns about the preservation of the party’s socialist ideology and the status of its grassroots structures nationwide.

He maintained that the PRP cannot be managed as a “personal fiefdom,” insisting that its legacy as a mass-based movement must be preserved. He accused the rival faction of being disconnected from ordinary Nigerians and more focused on elite patronage during election cycles.

Daudu invoked the legacy of Aminu Kano, the party’s founding figure during Nigeria’s Second Republic, noting that the PRP was conceived as a “party of the talakawa (masses)” and remains committed to that vision.

He reaffirmed the faction’s commitment to socialist transformation in Nigeria, criticizing what he described as decades of failure under a “neocolonial capitalist system.” He called for intensified grassroots mobilization and pledged that the PRP would continue its struggle through legal, political, and media channels ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A supporter of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed recent allegations against the former Zamfara State governor as false and defamatory, describing them as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation, according to a press statement issued on April 26, 2026, and signed by Alhaji Fahad Ogan Boye.

The statement said the claims being circulated about Matawalle were “baseless and misleading,” alleging they were motivated by envy and hostility toward the minister, and warned that those responsible for spreading what it described as falsehoods could face legal action, according to Boye.

Boye also referenced earlier accusations that linked Matawalle to banditry, stating that such claims had previously been raised and “proven to be entirely false and without merit,” according to the press release.

He argued that Matawalle’s continued appointment in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects confidence in his integrity and dedication to public service, adding that his role in government serves as evidence of his credibility, according to the statement.

Citing the role of Nigeria’s security institutions, Boye said the absence of any official findings against Matawalle indicates there is no substance to the allegations, noting that relevant authorities would have taken action if evidence existed, according to the press release.

The statement further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what it described as his support for “patriotic Nigerians,” including Matawalle, and commended the broader security leadership for efforts to maintain stability, specifically mentioning Christopher Musa and Nuhu Ribadu, according to Boye.

Boye call on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration, stating that such backing is necessary for national unity, progress, and security, according to the statement.