Some estate surveyors and valuers at Hotoro GRA in Kano State have attributed the rise in the price of land in the area to the presence of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), which is situated at Kwanar Maggi in the area.
One of the land agents, Muhammad Najume, told our reporter that the rise in the price started immediately after the commencement of academic activities in the university.
Najume disclosed that a plot of land that was sold at N20 million in 2023 is now sold at about N150 million or above.
“This can be attributed to the economic situation and the presence of the university in the area.
“The skyrocketing has not only affected the Hotoro Area but has extended to the Kawo Community,” he added.
Another agent, Mallam Isa, also disclosed that a house that should ordinarily cost about N500,000 in the last three years is now N3million presently.
“People are buying old houses to renovate them to hostels that will accommodate students,” Isa stated.
Speaking with a resident, who is also a house owner, Musa Okuri, he said the University has brought massive development to the community with its corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Okuri said: “The university management recently renovated one of the community secondary schools which they decided to name after the founder, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.
“The establishment of new private universities in Northern will not only add value to the region by boosting its economy but will help in building cities in the area they are located in.
“This is exactly what the Hotoro residents are experiencing today.”
On his part, Usman Yahaya, a businessman in Hotoro area, who sells Shawarma and Burger, spoke of the developments the university brought to them.
He said: “Before the university was established, we don’t make profit, but now there is security, we make huge profit, and the place has become very busy. This is a massive development.”
Another businessman who owns a provision store, Ibrahim Haladu, said there is now business boom unlike before the establishment of the private university.
“My business is growing, the place is busy, there is employment opportunities and it’s as a result of the university,” Ibrahim added.
Haruna Tijjani Kwa, a student of Business Administration in the University who resides in Kawo area, described the university and the environment as conducive.
“I’m enjoying my stay here, and I’m proud of studying at Maryam Abacha American University,” Kwa stated.
Umma Salma Auwal Muhammad, a Law student who came all the way from Maiduguri, Borno State, described the university as one of the best for providing them with a conducive learning environment and qualified lecturers.
“I live here at Hotoro, the people here treat us very well, I feel like I’m at home,” she said.