Hausa Day: Professor honoured as Hausa community chancellor in Europe

Adamu Gwarzo, a professor and founding President of the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria Group, has been honoured as the Chancellor of the Hausa Community in Europe.

The appointment was announced by the Sarkin Hausawan Turai, Surajo Jankado, during the 2026 International Hausa Day celebration held in Paris, France, on Sunday.

International Hausa Day is observed annually on 26 August, bringing together Hausa-speaking communities and cultural enthusiasts worldwide to promote the language, culture, history, and identity of the Hausa people.

The recognition drew commendations from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who praised Mr Gwarzo’s contributions to promoting the Hausa language, culture, and community development.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the appointment as a “well-deserved honour”.

“I congratulate my friend and brother, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, on his appointment as Chancellor of the Hausa Community in Europe,” Mr Atiku said.

He said the recognition reflected Mr Gwarzo’s longstanding commitment to promoting the Hausa language, culture, and identity, and to supporting Hausa communities at home and in the diaspora.

“Recognition of this kind does not come by accident; it comes to those who serve quietly and consistently,” he said.

Gov Yusuf salutes Gwarzo

Governor Abba Yusuf also congratulated Mr Gwarzo, along with other Nigerians recognised at the Paris event.

The governor has consistently advocated the preservation and global promotion of the Hausa language and culture.

In August, Mr Yusuf described Hausa language and culture as important pillars of African identity, unity and development during the 2026 International Hausa Day celebrations.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Our Culture, Our Future,” focused on preserving Hausa language, history, traditions, and cultural identity for future generations.

Education, philanthropy

Mr Gwarzo has built his public profile largely around higher education, institution-building and philanthropy.

Through the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation, he has supported scholarships and other interventions in education and community development.

In 2024, he donated $100,000 to the Islamic University in Uganda during its 33rd convocation and was subsequently recognised for his contribution to the institution’s development.

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His new role adds a cultural and community dimension to his work, potentially placing him at the centre of efforts to strengthen the identity of Hausa communities in Europe and deepen links with Hausa-speaking communities in Nigeria and elsewhere.

International Hausa Day was initiated in 2015 by Nigerian journalist Abdulbaki Aliyu Jari as a social media campaign to promote the language. It has since grown into an international cultural platform.

Organisers said more than 30 countries participated in the 2026 celebration, up from 26 countries the previous year.