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The MAAUN Group of Universities has honoured the late veteran journalist, Saleh Shehu Ashaka, by naming a newly constructed three-storey multipurpose laboratory at the College of Medicine of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, after him.
President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Kano, saying the gesture was in recognition of Ashaka’s philanthropic activities, commitment to humanity and contributions to society during his lifetime.
According to Gwarzo, the three-storey multipurpose laboratory is one of the key facilities developed to strengthen practical medical education at the university and provide students with a modern environment for hands-on learning and scientific training.
The facility comprises 12 laboratories designed to support practical teaching and learning for students of the College of Medicine, enabling them to acquire practical skills, conduct experiments and deepen their understanding of various aspects of medical science.
Gwarzo said the laboratory was being equipped to meet world-class standards for modern university education, stressing that the facility reflected MAAUN’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for medical training.
He said the development was part of the university’s broader efforts to give medical students access to quality learning resources and an environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
“Saleh gave himself to the people in ways many were not aware of until after his death. It is good to honour people like Saleh who served humanity with their all. He will continue to be remembered in our prayers because of the impact he made during his lifetime,” Gwarzo said.
He described the late journalist as a man who lived a life of impact and service, noting that Ashaka dedicated his career to upholding the ethics and professionalism of journalism.
“He was a committed journalist whose work earned him respect across the country and beyond,” he added.
The three-storey facility, with its 12 dedicated laboratories and purpose-built spaces for practical medical training, is expected to contribute to enhancing the quality of medical education at MAAUN.
Gwarzo said the laboratory would serve not only as a centre for students’ practical training but also as a symbol of the university’s investment in infrastructure aimed at producing competent and well-trained medical professionals.
Ashaka, who died on May 3, was an accomplished journalist whose death was widely regarded as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation.
He previously worked with the Voice of America (VOA) before resigning from the organisation in 2023.
The naming of the MAAUN facility after him is expected to preserve his legacy of journalism, philanthropy and service to humanity, while associating his memory with education, scientific learning and the training of future medical professionals.
