The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, has given reasons why it named the Faculty of law after the late veteran Hausa Singer, Hajiya Magajiya Danbatta Makoda. The President and Founder of the university, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo made the clarification in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday.
He said the management had decided to name the building after the renowned Hausa singer because of her contributions in explaining the importance of girl-child education in her songs "Late Magaji Danbatta sang multiple songs to enlighten and educate the nation on the importance of school enrolment in the late 70s as a big loss to the entire people of Northern Nigeria which deserved a memorable accolade.
"As such, we found her (Magajiya Danbatta: Halima Malam Lasan) worthy even after her death to be honoured based on her inputted contributions that impacted on many and the society at large. "Even before her death, MAAUN had long ago decided to honour the deceased with honorary degree during the next convocation, but unfortunately death took her away before the time. According to the statement, the Management had also resolved and agreed on granting her legacy with the "Award of Posthumous honorary degree" and as well name its newly constructed edifice (the MAAUN Nigeria Faculty of Law) after her.
The statement further explained that the honour done to the deceased was not on the fact that she was a singer, rather on the basis of her immense contributions to education and knowledge. "A deep rooted research has proven that, among her numerous songs climax into the enrolment of over 3, 000 children in school way back early 70's, among which are prominent Lawyers and Judges, Medical personnel, Engineers, Social scientists, Art and cultural entertainers, Doctors, Agricultural scientists, Technologists, Innovators, Administrators, Teachers, and liberal leaders among many. "
The values that the late veteran singer added to the society especially in the areas of educational growth and development, conflict resolution, and cultural morality cannot be overemphased, and therefore, deserves the honour," the statement added.