On December 15, 2024, a Nigerian entrepreneur, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, made a remarkable donation of $100,000 to the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
The donation was announced during the 33rd convocation ceremony of the university, which took place at the university’s main campus in Mbale, Uganda.
Professor Gwarzo, who is the founder and president of the MAAUN Group of Universities, attended the event as a special guest of honor.
He also received an award of excellence from the university for his dedication to its development.
The award was presented to Professor Gwarzo by the Council Chairman of IUIU, H.E. Prof. Dr. Muhammad A.S.E.A. Altabtabaei. Altabtabaei, who hails from Kuwait, praised Gwarzo for his significant contributions to the university’s growth.
“I was informed by the university management of your contributions, on behalf of the council, I wish to extend our appreciation to you,” Altabtabaei said.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Gwarzo expressed his gratitude to the university for the honor. He then stunned the audience by announcing his generous donation of $100,000.
“This donation is my small way of giving back to the Islamic University in Uganda. I believe in the power of education, and I hope this will support the university in its mission to foster learning and development,” Gwarzo said.
Professor Gwarzo’s donation is seen as a major step in supporting the growth of education in Uganda and especially for Islamic institutions in the country.
The Rector of the Islamic University in Uganda, Professor Dr. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, also praised Gwarzo for his generosity. He thanked the Nigerian entrepreneur for his commitment to the university.
“We thank you for this huge donation. On behalf of the students and staff of the university, I pray to Allah SWT to bless your wealth and continue to guide you in your endeavors,” said Professor Gyagenda.
Gwarzo’s gesture is not the first time he has shown support for educational institutions. He is the founder of several universities, including Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, the Franco-British International University in Kaduna, and the Canadian University of Nigeria in Abuja.
During the convocation ceremony, Gwarzo led a 17-person delegation from Nigeria to celebrate the university’s achievements.
IUIU, established in 1988, is one of the key institutions in Uganda offering higher education with an emphasis on Islamic values. It has become an important hub for education in Uganda and across East Africa.
The donation by Professor Gwarzo comes at a time when the university is striving to improve its facilities and expand its educational offerings.
Professor Gwarzo’s charitable act has sparked widespread admiration within the university community. His donation is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of students and staff at IUIU.
Students at the university are especially excited about the donation, which they believe will enhance the quality of education and provide more opportunities for scholarships and research.
“I feel so inspired by Professor Gwarzo’s generosity. This donation will change many lives here at the university,” said Fatima Namubiru, a final-year student at IUIU.
The university’s leadership has expressed hope that other individuals and organizations will follow in Professor Gwarzo’s footsteps to support higher education in Uganda.
Professor Gwarzo’s philanthropic gesture has put a spotlight on the growing importance of cross-border partnerships in the African education sector. His commitment to educational development is being recognized not only in Nigeria and Uganda but across the continent.
As the Islamic University in Uganda continues to build on its legacy, donations like Gwarzo’s will play a key role in shaping its future.
The $100,000 donation has been seen as a lifeline for the university, which is working hard to improve its infrastructure and expand its programs to meet the needs of its growing student population.
