(Ecofin Agency) - • MAAUN aims to sign deals with 50 universities in 21 countries to boost academic strength.
• The partnerships will support research, student mobility, and higher education quality.
• Execution and funding will be critical to the long-term impact of the initiative.

With Sub-Saharan Africa projected to have over 800 million youth by 2050, according to UN data, improving higher education remains a strategic priority. In this context, growing international academic partnerships is gaining traction.

On Sunday, June 1, the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) announced on its website plans to establish agreements with around 50 universities in 21 countries. The objective is to enhance academic programs, promote student and researcher exchanges, and advance collaborative research. The prospective partners include institutions from the United States, France, China, India, Turkey, and various African nations.

This initiative aligns with MAAUN’s broader ambition to position itself as a top-tier academic institution in Africa. If realized, the partnerships could give students greater access to high-quality education, facilitate global academic mobility, and support joint research efforts. These steps are intended to help address structural gaps in African higher education.

According to UNESCO, Sub-Saharan Africa's gross enrollment rate in higher education was just 9% in 2024, far below the global average of 42%.

With a student population representing 14 countries, MAAUN seeks to grow its influence across West Africa and beyond. It was ranked the second-best private university in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index 2025, reflecting its growing profile. This approach mirrors a broader trend among private institutions stepping in to ease the pressure on overburdened public universities.

However, these agreements remain preliminary. Their success depends on effective implementation, strong institutional cooperation, recognition of qualifications, and sustainable funding, factors that will determine their actual long-term effect on Africa’s academic landscape.