Our Leadership
July 30, 2023 2023-10-17 9:01Our Leadership
Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo
Founder & Chairman of Governing Council
BIOGRAPHY
A trailblazer in the field of education and a dedicated philanthropist, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo is a figure of inspiration and transformation in Nigeria. Known fondly as the “Sarkin Yaki da Jahilci” or Warrior King of Illiteracy in Africa, he has left an indelible mark in the landscape of higher education with his resolute commitment to making world-class education accessible to Nigerians within their home country.
As the visionary behind the Franco-British International University (FBIU), Professor Gwarzo has turned his passion into action, providing Nigerians the opportunity to access global standards of education without the need to travel abroad. His role as a philanthropist is as notable as his academic achievements, with significant contributions to underprivileged and needy communities, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Before the inception of FBIU, Professor Gwarzo’s vision already bore fruit with the establishment of two other esteemed institutions: the Maryam Abacha American University of Niger in 2013, and the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria in 2021. Both universities exemplify Professor Gwarzo’s lifelong mission to enhance access to quality education across Africa.
Further expanding his influence beyond the realm of academia, Professor Gwarzo is also the President of the Association of African Private Universities, embodying his commitment to advancing higher education on the continent. His enduring efforts have positioned him as an iconic force in education, and his legacy continues to reshape the academic trajectory in Africa.
Sir Prof. (Dr.) Bikash Sharma (KR)
PRO CHANCELLOR
BIOGRAPHY
Prof. Dr. Bikash Sharma is a management professional and philanthropist with over two and half decades of
experience across various domains including education, management, human resource and IT enabled
services.
Dr. Sharma is the President and the Founder Trustee of International Academic and Management
Association (IAMA), an education focused organization working towards ensuring qualitative, affordable,
dynamic, borderless and industry centric education for all without any discrimination. The organization considers “Education as a Fundamental Right”, with “Education for All” as its underlying philosophy.
Today, under the stewardship of Dr. Sharma, IAMA operates in over 44 countries, offering its services to 200 plus
institutions, benefitting thousands of students across the globe.
Dr. Sharma is also the Founding President of IAMA International Open University of Florida (USA) and IAMA
School of Vocational and Technical Education (iSVTE) which was instituted in the year 2022 on lines of the
IAMA’s Educational Philosophy and Objectives. He is also the Managing Director of IAMA International
Tradelinks Private Limited (IITPL), which was set-up in 2022 with the objective of offering affordable and
quality Health Services and Products, Renewable Energy and Waste Management Solutions to the developing
and under-developed nations. Dr. Sharma is also the President of the World Academic Education Industry
(WAEI) and organization established with the purpose of highlighting the hard work and efforts carried out by
every individual who is a part of this noble profession of education.
Additionally, Dr. Sharma is also the CEO of iDeliver Services, an IT and IT Enabled Services and HR Solutions
firm located in India
Dr. Sharma is also on the Board of several educational institutions and organizations globally including Logos
University Unilogos, POMA International Business University (Worldwide), CEPRES International University, Chartered International Da Vinci University, Crown University, George Washington Central University, Lincoln
Central University, Executive University etc to name a few. He is also the Honorary President of Prowess University, an online university based out of Delaware, USA, Vice President (International) of the Holy Spirit
University of Atlanta, Director of Quality Assurance and International Relations Directorate at the Kings and
Queens Medical University College, Ghana and Council Member and Director of International Linkages,Southgate University, Namibia.
Additionally, Dr. Sharma is also Goodwill Ambassador, Visiting Professor and
Director South Asia at the National Academy of Security and Defense Planning (NASDP) Romania.
Dr. Sharma is also an Advisor to EdTech companies including Ocxee, UK and Coconut Learning, UK and the
Jury Council of AsiaOne Magazine. Besides this, he is also the Co-Chair of the Center of Education Sustainability Board (USA), Member of the International Advisory Council of ASIC, UK, Trustee with Earth
Quotient, a pressure group working on issues related to the environment and the voiceless, Worldwide Ambassador of Art and Humanity IAA, Member of the Advisory Board of Sports Journey, a Sports Management and Consulting Firm, President for Asia with the Pillars of International Peace organization,
Member of the Editorial Board of the Scientific Journal Cognitionis and Cuadernos de Educacion y Desarrollo
(CED) and Honorary Member of the Board of the Centre of Human Development and Neuro-Linguistic
Research Private Limited (CHDNLR).
Dr. Sharma is also the Honorary President of the International Association for Quality Accreditation on
Higher Education (QAHE), USA
He has also been appointed as the Global Ambassador of Peace and Advisor Member at SPMUDA
International Management Advisory Council, Philippines
Additionally, Dr. Sharma is also the Vice President and Member of the Council with Chartered Institute of
Industrial Administrators and Arbitrators
Dr. Sharma is also an ex-Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Liberia, where we worked
closely with the government on issues related to Food Security, Agriculture and Agro-based Technology and
Education
Prof. (Dr.) Bikash Sharma and IAMA’s contribution in the field of education and health care has been widely
recognized on the global platform. His nomination for the Noble Peace Prize, 2023 for promoting world
peace and harmony through education is testimony of his work, grit and determination towards making a
world a better place
Additionally, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of the Commonwealth of
Kentucky, Andy Beshear and the US Secretary of State in 2022. The title, which allows him to suffix the Honorary “Colonel” against his name, is the Highest State Honor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and was accorded to him for his contribution in the field of education.
Dr. Sharma was also inducted as a Member of the Knights of Rizal and granted the First Degree Rank of the
Knight of Rizal (KR) in 2021. The title, which was created under statute and is one of the highest state honors of Philippines, allows Dr. Sharma to suffix “Sir” against his name. The title was accorded to him by the Brazilian Chapter of the Knights of Rizal in 2021 for his contribution towards ensuring an equitable society through education.
Dr. Sharma also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PSVA) in the USA in 2020 for being a role
model and making a positive impact as an engaged and deeply committed volunteer for the cause of education. The Federal Honor included a Medal along with a Certificate and a Letter of Appreciation signed by the then President of the USA, Donald Trump.
Dr. Sharma has also been accorded the title of Colonel with the position of Superintendent to the Indian
Command by the International Counter-Terrorism Center, a Member of the Counter Terrorism Unity and
Council of Europe.
Dr. Sharma is also the Business Ambassador and Chancellor General for SAARC Nations with the United
Nations Intergovernmental Organization.
Dr. Sharma has also been appointed as the Peace Mediator and Chancellor General for India and the SAARC Nations by the International Special Court of Arbitration and Human Rights
Dr. Sharma is also the recipient of the title of the Knight of Law and Honor for his contribution in the field of education and for fostering world peace.
He is also the Goodwill Ambassador, Visiting Professor and Director for South Asia with the National Academy of Security and Defense Planning, Romania which is accredited by the Migration and Home Affairs,
European Commission
Both Dr. Sharma and IAMA have been accorded several other national and international awards and honors as well since the inception of IAMA in 2013. The same include (in chronological order):
Business Leader Award for Exceptional Achievement and Business Transformation in the Education
Sector in the year 2015 by Middle East, North America and Asia (MENAA) Awards Organization and the
Federation of Awarding Bodies(FAB), UK at Burj Al Arab Dubai
Best Customer Delight Award in the Education Sector in the year 2015 by Middle East, North America
and Asia (MENAA) Award Organization and the Federation of Awarding Bodies(FAB), UK at Burj Al Arab
Dubai
IBSAF Excellence Award for Social Contribution in the year 2016, organized by the IBS Alumni
Federation at New Delhi
Nominated for the Best Regional Enterprise and the Manager of the Year in 2017 by the International
Socrates Awards Nomination Committee, Oxford UK
Felicitated for Contribution in the Field of International Education in 2017, by ASIC UK, at Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
Received the Social Entrepreneurship Award at SEBA 2018 organized at Mumbai, India by Aspire
Media House
Awarded at AsiaOne Magazine’s coveted India’s Greatest Brands Award at Mumbai, India in 2018
Awarded CEO of the Year at the event conducted by GECL in India in December 2018
Felicitated as the Most Dynamic Personality in the Field of Education at the Global Leaders Award
held at JW Marriott, Dubai in March 2019
Felicitated with The Global Education Leader of the Year Award at the Game Changers Business
Awards held at New Delhi in April 2019
Recognized as The Personality of the Year at the International Academic and Research Excellence
(IARE) Awards held at New Delhi in June 2019
Felicitated with the “Movers and Shakers” Award at the Asia HRD Awards held at Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia in July 2019
Received the coveted Everest Award at New Delhi in November 2019 for his contribution in the field of
education
Received Certificate of Appreciation from Human Rights Education Association on May 2020 for
Excellence in the field of Education
Received the Nationwide Under 50 Business Leadership Award in the Education Sector, organized by
Business Mint in 2021
Received the Books for Peace – International Special Award 2021 at Rome, Italy for contribution in the
field of Education on lines with the Sustainable Developmental Goals of UNESCO
Received the Birsha Munda Smriti Chinah Award, 2021 at New Delhi, India in recognition of IAMA’s
initiative to uplift the marginalized tribal communities through education and entrepreneurial
opportunities
Received the Global Excellence Award, 2021 under the “Education Category”, organized by HR Talk in
December, 2021
Admitted as Fellow and Chartered Administrator of the Chartered Institute of Industrial
Administrators and Arbitrators, Namibia in December, 2021
Received the SPMUDA Global Awards 2022 at Philippines for contribution in the field of Education
and Youth Development
Admitted as Fellow Member of the Institute of Arts Management & Professionals (FIAP), Nigeria in
March 2022
Received the title of Outstanding Edupreneur of the Year at the Indian Leaders & Achievers Awards
2022, New Delhi
Felicitated with the Alumni Achiever’s Award by IBS Gurgaon in November 2022 for contribution in the
field of education
Conferred the Honorary Title of Academic Merit of the Year 2022 by Logos University International,
UNILOGOS (USA) in December 2022 for philanthropic work in the field of education
Received the Certificate of Special Recognition at the Global Summit of Communities and Ethnic Groups, Mexico in recognition of contribution to world peace through activities promoting humanitarian development as well as instilling hope and dreams to people in different situations and
creating the value of life
Conferred the Innovative Leader Award at the 2
nd World Education and EdTech Awards 2023, held at
New Delhi in January 2023 for promoting the idea of Affordable, Qualitative, Borderless, Dynamic and
Industry Centric Higher Education
Conferred the SPMUDA Powerhouse Award 2023, by the International Organization for Peace and
Development, Philippines in March 2023 under the Education category Dr. Bikash Sharma has also been bestowed with multiple Honorary Academic Titles including Doctorates,
Fellowships and Professorship from institutions across the USA, Brazil and the African continent for his
contribution in the field of Higher Education and Internationalization of Education
A student par excellence, Dr. Sharma has excellent academic credentials having been a University Rank Holder
and Gold Medalist
Since his early working days, Dr. Sharma has been known for his versatility and diligence. An outstanding troubleshooter and out of the box thinker, he is still respected and recognized across the industries he has
worked in
A passionate animal lover and also an animal rights activist, Dr. Bikash Sharma’s favorite quote, summarizing
his life and his mission is:
“the woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep and miles to
go before I sleep
Prof Abdullahi Muhammad Sabo
VICE CHANCELLOR
BIOGRAPHY
Prof Abdullahi Muhammad Sabo is the pioneer Vice-chancellor (VC) of the Franco-British International University, Kaduna, his academic career has been impressive as he rose through various ranks to become a Professor of Health Education.
Prof Sabo was born into the Mamman Hadejia family of Hadejia Emirate of the then Northern Region, but now in Jigawa State. He attended Kabawa LEA Lokoja, Kogi State for his primary education from 1965 to 1971. He obtained his Grade II certificate from Ogori/Magongo Teachers Training College from 1974 to 1979. He then pursued his Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) at the Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria (now FCE, Zaria) from 1982 to 1984. After completing his NYSC in Ibadan, Oyo State in 1985, he pursued a Bachelor of Education in Physical Health Education (PHE) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between 1989 to 1990 session. He later joined Kaduna Polytechnic as an Assistant Lecturer in 1991. Moreover, his desire for mastery motivated him to pursue a master’s degree in Health Education at the prestigious University of Ibadan from 1995 to 1997. To fulfil his academic aspirations, he proceeded to the University of Calabar for his Doctoral degree, precisely Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education from 2010 to 2013, completing his degree in the rare duration of three years, a remarkable feat in the Nigerian context. Following his graduation, he returned to Kaduna Polytechnic to continue teaching, research, and community service upon which he attained the rank of Chief Lecturer through periodic promotions. In 2015, he was offered the position of Visiting Lecturer at Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN), Maradi, in the Republic of Niger as a Senior Lecturer, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 2017 and full Professor of Health Education on January 10, 2021, by the university senate.
Prof Sabo has taught various courses such as Research Methodology, Medical Statistics, Measurement and Evaluation, and several Primary Healthcare courses to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in both institutions. Additionally, he has been actively involved in organizing and participating in various workshops, seminars, conferences, and webinars at both local and international levels. Furthermore, when MAAUN, Maradi, introduced its PhD programs at the PG School, the academics contributed significantly to organizing orientation workshops and PhD colloquiums under the guidance of the then Dean of PG School, Prof Muhammad Sanusi Magaji. Consequently, he was appointed as the Dean of the PG school on the 10th of May, 2023, to ensure that the first set of PhD candidates graduate successfully.
Prof Sabo is an industrious and skilled researcher who is an expert in statistical analyses and has published over 70 journal articles. He has also authored two books, namely Research Methods and Process and Analyzing Research Data Using SPSS: Concepts, Procedures, and Applications, and has contributed four book chapters to the academic community. Moreover, Prof Sabo is generous in sharing both soft and hard copies of academic materials with various academic organizations in and outside of Nigeria. Prof Sabo has supervised and graduated several undergraduates and postgraduates from various institutions such as Kaduna Polytechnics, MAAUN, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Texila American University, Nicaragua.
In addition to his responsibilities at MAAUN, Prof Sabo has also held and is still holding various positions and serving in several committees at Kaduna Polytechnic and the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria. He serves as a consultant on educational matters such as curriculum development and modifications, as well as on examination results compilation software for schools/colleges of health technology and CHO training institutions in Nigeria. He has trained numerous PHC tutors and healthcare providers throughout Nigeria, many of whom hold managerial and leadership positions such as registrars of regulatory boards and heads of health training institutions. Additionally, Prof Sabo is a member of editorial boards and peer reviewers for several journal publishing organizations. He is a member of various professional associations, including the Fellow of the African Institute of Public Health (FAIPH) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Prof Sabo is happily married and has eight children.
Mr Agwaza Bemdoo
REGISTRA
BIOGRAPHY
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