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MAAUN Shuts Down Two Female Hostels Over Alleged Immoral Activities and Poor Conditions
The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), located in Kano, has announced the immediate closure of two privately owned female hostels—Al-Ansar Indabo Hostel situated at UDB Road and another located in the Hotoro area—following serious concerns over alleged immoral activities and poor living conditions.
These hostels, previously endorsed by the university as suitable off-campus housing, are situated within walking distance of the main campus and have served as primary residences for hundreds of female students.
In an official statement issued by Dr. Hamza Garba, the Vice President of Campus Life, the university disclosed that its decision to withdraw accreditation for the hostels was based on numerous complaints and reports from various sources.
The concerns highlighted include allegations of immoral conduct, lack of basic amenities such as consistent water and electricity supply, incidents of student violence, and frequent unauthorized movements during late-night hours.
“I am directed by the management to write, inform, and bring to the attention of our esteemed parents and students that the university has withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female students hostels located at UDB Road and Hotoro,” Dr. Garba stated.
The university has instructed all affected students to vacate the premises immediately after the conclusion of the ongoing fall semester examinations. Authorities further warned that MAAUN would not be held responsible for any consequences resulting from students’ failure to comply with the directive.
To ensure full implementation of this decision, the university has reportedly engaged the services of security agencies who will assist in enforcing the eviction order if necessary.
Despite the gravity of the allegations cited by the university, some students and members of the school community have expressed skepticism over the true motives behind the closures. “Whatever misconduct happened must have occurred outside [the hostels],” one student remarked, suggesting that the disciplinary issues may not be directly linked to the hostels themselves.
Another student suggested that the closures may be driven more by infrastructural inadequacies than by behavioral concerns. She cited the long-standing issues with erratic power supply, insufficient water availability, and poor maintenance as ongoing challenges that have impacted student welfare.
The affected hostels currently accommodate an estimated 500 female students, many of whom hail from outside Kano State. The closure has triggered concerns about displacement and the immediate housing needs of the students, particularly those with limited financial means or support systems in the city.
However, the university has assured students and their families that plans are already in motion to provide alternative accommodation. Some students confirmed that arrangements are being made to relocate them to newly constructed hostels situated closer to the main campus. One of the new hostels is reportedly named in honor of a late student, highlighting the administration’s efforts to create safer and more respectful living environments.
At present, MAAUN does not offer on-campus housing facilities. Instead, the institution has traditionally relied on partnerships with private developers to provide off-campus accommodation for its growing student population.
The recent shutdown of the two hostels may prompt renewed calls for the development of university-owned housing to ensure better oversight and standards of student welfare.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by private universities in Nigeria in balancing rapid expansion with quality assurance in student services, especially in housing.
As MAAUN works to implement its directive and transition affected students to new facilities, the broader university community will be watching closely to see how the administration addresses both the immediate fallout and the long-term implications for student housing policy.