Picture: Ammar M. Rajab/DAILY STRUGGLE Hajia (Dr) Maryam Sani Abacha has accepted a posthumous honorary doctorate degree award...
Hajia (Dr) Maryam Sani Abacha has accepted a posthumous honorary doctorate degree awarded to her late husband, former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha, by the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), describing the recognition as timely and well deserved.
General Abacha ruled Nigeria as Head of State from 1993 until his death in 1998, a period that continues to attract national reflection and debate over his leadership style and policies.
The acceptance of the honorary award took place at her residence in Abuja, where she received the letter of conferment on behalf of the Abacha family.
Expressing gratitude to the university’s authorities and Nigerians at large, Hajia Abacha said the honour recognises the late general’s hard work and service to the nation.
“We are very happy and proud that the university has honoured the former Head of State, the father of this family, with an honorary doctorate degree. Alhamdulillah. It is an honour he truly deserved. He worked very hard,” she said.
She noted that the timing of the award coincides with renewed public interest in the late leader’s record in office.
“A lot of people are remembering his works especially these days. It is a good time and a good coincidence that the university is honouring his past works, just as people are honouring him,” she added.
Hajia Abacha also offered prayers for the repose of General Abacha’s soul and for continued progress of the university.
She congratulated graduating students of MAAUN and urged them to remain hopeful despite economic challenges and limited job opportunities in the country.
“I congratulate the graduating students and wish them all the best in life. Even with the scarcity of jobs, I pray that they will secure employment, and where possible, we will try to support some of them,” she said.
The university has announced that the formal decoration and conferment of the posthumous honorary doctorate will take place during its first convocation ceremony scheduled for 20 December 2025 at the MAAUN campus in Kano.
The ceremony is expected to be one of the highlights of the institution’s academic calendar, bringing together graduating students, university officials and invited guests.
No comments