The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has named its newly constructed three-storey multipurpose laboratory at the College of Medicine after the late veteran journalist, Saleh Shehu Ashaka.
The naming of the laboratory after Ashaka is expected to serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy in journalism, philanthropy and service to humanity, while keeping his memory associated with education, knowledge and the training of future medical professionals.
President of MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano, saying the decision was in recognition of Ashaka’s philanthropic activities, commitment to humanity and contributions to society.
Gwarzo said the three-storey facility was one of the key infrastructure projects developed to strengthen practical medical education and provide students with a modern environment for hands-on learning and scientific training.
According to him, the building comprises 12 dedicated laboratories designed to support practical teaching and learning for students of the College of Medicine.
He said the laboratories would enable students to acquire practical skills, conduct experiments and deepen their understanding of various areas of medical science in a purpose-built academic environment.
Gwarzo said the facility was being equipped to meet world-class standards expected of a modern university, reflecting MAAUN’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for medical education.
He added that the project underscored the university’s determination to provide medical students with quality learning resources and an environment where theoretical knowledge could be combined 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 Ashaka as a man who lived a life of impact and service, noting that he 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 university president said the three-storey laboratory, with its 12 dedicated laboratories and modern academic spaces, would play a significant role in enhancing the quality of medical education at MAAUN.
Beyond serving as a centre for students’ practical training, he said, the facility represented the university’s broader 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.
He previously worked with the Voice of America (VOA) before resigning from the organisation in 2023.