MAAUN Closes Two Private Female Hostels Over Alleged Immoral Activities: What You Need to Know

 

The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano has recently made the decision to shut down two privately owned female student hostels due to reports of immoral activities. This action has caused a stir within the university community, especially among the students affected by the closure.

The hostels in question are Al-Ansar Indabo Hostel, located at UDB Road, and a second hostel in Hotoro. Both hostels are situated within walking distance from the campus, and until now, they had been approved by the university as off-campus accommodation options for its female students. However, the decision to close them comes after several concerns raised about the conditions within these facilities.

Reasons for the Closure

In an official statement, Dr. Hamza Garba, the Vice President of Campus Life at MAAUN, outlined the reasons behind the university’s decision to withdraw its approval for the hostels. According to Dr. Garba, the university's management was compelled to act following reports of “immoral conduct,” which included student violence, unauthorized late-night movements, and the lack of basic amenities like water and electricity.

Dr. Garba stated, “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management to write, inform, and bring to the attention of our esteemed parents and students that the university has withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female students’ hostels located at UDB Road and Hotoro.” This announcement made it clear that the university would no longer be responsible for the welfare of students residing in these hostels.

What Happens Next?

As per the university’s directive, all students currently staying in these hostels are expected to vacate the premises immediately following the completion of their fall semester exams. The university has made it clear that it will not be liable for any consequences resulting from non-compliance with this directive. To ensure enforcement of the closure, MAAUN is collaborating with local security agencies.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their perspective on the situation, stating, “Whatever misconduct happened must have occurred outside [the hostels].” This suggests that some students feel the closure may not be entirely about the alleged immoral conduct but may stem from other factors.

Another student echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the closure might have more to do with the poor condition of the hostels than any moral issues. They argued that the lack of proper facilities, including unreliable electricity and water supply, might have played a significant role in the decision to close the hostels.

Impact on Students

The closure of these two hostels, which together accommodate around 500 female students, has raised concerns among those affected. Many of these students come from outside the Kano area, and the news of the closure has left them uncertain about their living arrangements for the near future. Some students have already confirmed that plans are underway to relocate them to newly built hostels that are closer to the campus. One of these new hostels is reportedly named in honor of a late student, further adding an emotional aspect to the transition.

Currently, MAAUN does not have on-campus accommodation facilities for students. As a result, the university has relied on partnerships with private developers to provide off-campus housing options. This dependence on private developers for student accommodation is common at many universities across Nigeria, though it often comes with its own set of challenges, such as the provision of adequate amenities and ensuring student safety.

Final Thoughts

While the decision to close the Al-Ansar Indabo and Hotoro hostels has sparked a range of reactions among students, it highlights the challenges universities face in managing off-campus housing. The closure also underscores the need for universities to ensure that private housing options meet the required standards for safety, comfort, and morality.

As the situation continues to unfold, students are eagerly awaiting more information on their relocation plans. In the meantime, it’s clear that MAAUN is taking a firm stance on ensuring that student welfare is prioritized, even if it means making tough decisions about off-campus accommodation.

As the university moves forward, it will be crucial for both the administration and students to address these challenges to prevent further disruptions and to ensure that student life at MAAUN remains safe and conducive to academic success.