Prof. AA Gwarzo: A Philanthropic Scholar @ 43 
By Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, 

I will be writing my first article in 2021 to celebrate the birthday of one of the ‘overly generous’ person I have come across; a philanthropist par excellence, whose generosity knows no bound, whose aim and wealth is for serving humanity. He is also an unrelenting advocate and promoter of quality education in the country, a business mogul, seasoned academic and an eloquent orator of all ages.

Like Audu Bulama Bukarti, I’m always an advocate of  celebrating heroes while alive, hale and hearty. I don’t want to celebrate the good works of the likes of Adamu when they’re not alive. It is good to celebrate heroes.

Prof. Gwarzo is the founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Maryam Abacha American University of Togo and Maryam Abacha College of Health Sciences Technology in Kaduna State.

At 43, he has achieved so much and many more of the sterling achievements are still to come. He has touched so many lives with his unrivaled kindness and uncommon philanthropy. If Nigeria will be blessed with ten of his likes, the future of young people and education would certainly be brighter, in the years to come.

He has empowered many with job opportunities and capital to start a business of which I’m a living witness, so many of these gestures cannot be written here or expressed.

I vividly, can recall how he often asked us to hide his identity whenever his gesture reached where it is expected to. He would say that he did it for the sake of Allah, and revealing his identity is not necessary. I know, for sure, that, it is only God that will reward the philanthropy of this young man.

His passion for the empowerment of youth and women led to the establishment of the Adamu Gwarzo Foundation, a non governmental organisation that stands cater for the need of the less privilege.

It is through this powerful foundation that he supported a renowned Hausa singer that promoted girl child education in the 80’s Magajiya Dambatta with a token of one million naira and promise to award her a Honorary Doctorate Degree for this great contribution.

Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo is a great man that words could not describe, this space will not allow me to describe a man with a golden heart like Adamu.

My dear Prof, there are so many things that I want to thank you for. And I am sure, I am going to be miss out some by the end of this note. However, here is my gratitude for just been by my side in this turbulent life, and making it all worthwhile.

Thank you for being my best TEACHER. Besides my family, you are my biggest supporter, and I know that when I win, you win, and when you win, I win. In this battle called life, it doesn’t matter who is in my opponents’ corner, because I know I am always going to have you at my back. And that is the best asset I could ask for.

You encouraged me to chase my dreams like no one else does. When something good happens, you are the first person I want to tell, and when something bad happens, you are also the first person I run for support: and to God be the glory, you have never turn down my request.

Thank you for being a caring ‘Daddy’ and Confidant. Prof. Adamu, Thank you for standing beside me in the greatest of moments and the darkest of hours. Thank you for being there for me through thick and thin.

To know you is a privilege, to associate with you is a honor and to get your trust is something of immense pride. I am indeed privileged, honoured and proud have your trust.

You are my biggest ‘bankroller’ when I contested for election in 2019. You awarded me a fully-funded scholarship in your University, and launched my book at the cost of one million naira in the same year.

You always want to see me close to you. Little wonder, I have benefitted from the bold ideas that Allah has blessed you with. Not only that you are one of the most educated and successful young people in this country, Allah has also blessed you with the exceptional ability to speak four different languages which are Hausa, English, Yoruba and French.

As my beacon of hope, I don’t know how to thank you. Yet, I will not get tired of praying for you. May Allah reward you abundantly, my paragon of humility cum phenomenal Prof.

Thank you for being an inspiration and motivation to young people like me. Though, words have failed me on several occasions, but you didn’t. Thus, I beseech Allah to endow you with robust health, limitless wealth and peerless wisdom of Allah. Ameen!

Happy Birthday, Prof. AA Gwarzo, Zakin Fama!

• Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada is a Journalist and Manager of PRNigeria Centre for Strategic Communication in Kano. He can be reached via [email protected]