On Tuesday, the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in Kano state shut down two female hostels with the management justifying its decision on ‘high immorality’. Africa Health Report correspondent, Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi in Kano dived into investigations and uncovered untold facts of the controversial closure. Please find in this special report the strange reasons for MAAUN’s action that has caused tongues wagging.
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has shut down two private female hostels — Al-Ansar Indabo and Hotoro — citing reports of immoral conduct, inadequate water and electricity supply, student violence, and unauthorised late-night movements.
The decision, announced in a statement on Monday signed by Dr. Hamza Garba, Vice President of Campus Life, took immediate effect and affects approximately 500 students, many of whom now face uncertainty over accommodation ahead of the next semester.
The closure has since sparked controversy among students and observers, with many questioning whether the decision was truly driven by concerns over morality or rather the visibly deteriorating infrastructure and living conditions in the hostels.
However, students who spoke with AHR have disputed the morality claims, pointing instead to deteriorating living conditions as the real reason behind tensions and unrest. They described the hostels as structurally weak and often surrounded by stagnant water, especially after rainfall.
Echoes of Strange Happenings
“The toilets are always flooded. The tap runs maybe once a week. And when there’s light, we celebrate,” said Mariam Hassan, one of the affected students.
Fatima Sani, another resident, denied the accusations of immoral behavior. “No male visitors are allowed, not even female friends from outside. The management is strict. So if anything happened, it was outside the hostel, not in it.”
Hostel Owners Defaulted in Standards Compliance
In a follow-up statement, MAAUN President Prof. Mohammad Israr defended the action, saying, “Despite issuing queries to the owners of the affected hostels, they failed to comply with our rules and regulations. Non-compliance resulted in several unwanted situations and activities within the hostel.”
But an AHR investigation revealed that many of the so-called “unwanted situations” may stem from environmental neglect rather than student misconduct. A visit to the Al-Ansar Indabo hostel showed blocked drainages, overflowing refuse bins, thick mud, stagnant water, frequent power outages, and broken plumbing.
Hotels Not Safe at Nights
“The place is not safe at night. No streetlights, no guards. Girls get harassed just walking to buy food,” said Zara Muhammad, a 200-level student who has lived in the hostel for over a year.
Private Hostels Arrangement Strained
Although MAAUN does not operate its own on-campus hostels, it approves private facilities to house students. That arrangement appears increasingly strained. “You cannot find these irregularities in our hostels but in the ones owned by the private developers,” Prof. Israr noted.
Some students, however, believe the university is using the morality narrative to deflect from infrastructural failures. “We’re not saints, but they’re using ‘immoral behavior’ to cover up what they don’t want to fix,” Zara added.
Plans to Relocate Students
MAAUN said plans are underway to relocate students to newly built hostels closer to campus, including one named after a late student. The affected students have been given until the end of the fall semester exams to vacate, with security agencies reportedly working with the university to enforce the order.
Last week, the university also ordered the closure of another private hostel, Insktaf, following reports of criminal activities, including assault and torture among residents. The university appears to be cracking down on off-campus housing, though questions remain about whether misconduct or poor infrastructure is the driving force.
“We just want a place that’s safe, with water and light. That’s not too much to ask,” said Mariam Hassan.
