The President of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, has explained that the recent closure of some private hostels, including Al-Ansar Indabo, was due to their failure to comply with the university’s rules and regulations.

Speaking in a statement issued on Tuesday, Prof. Israr said the management took the decision to safeguard students’ welfare and uphold the institution’s values.

“Despite issuing queries to the owners of the affected hostels, they failed to comply with our rules and regulations. We had no option but to take this appropriate action,” he said.

The university had on Monday ordered the closure of the hostels over what it described as noncompliance and non-adherence to the welfare of students.

Prof. Israr noted that several issues prompted the decision, including poor water and power supply.

“Non-compliance resulted in several unwanted situations and activities within the hostel, including poor water and power supply. These issues pose a serious threat to the well-being of our students,” he explained.

He stressed that the university has built its reputation over 13 years and would not compromise on standards.

“We have to protect the reputation that we built over the years. We stand by ethics to ensure good conduct and the welfare of our students,” he stated.

The affected hostels are privately owned facilities approved by the university to accommodate students.

However, according to the university president, “You cannot find these irregularities in our university-owned hostels but in those operated by private developers.”

He added that the closure was “in the best interest of the parents and students,” noting that “this is part of our founder’s initiative to contribute more to the economy of the state, but not at the expense of safety and discipline.”

Prof. Israr directed that all affected students must vacate the hostels immediately after their first-semester examinations. He further revealed that the university is working with relevant security agencies to ensure total compliance.

It would be recalled that the university had also recently shut down the Insktaf hostel due to reported criminal activities, including torture, physical assault, and injury, which posed serious security threats to students.