AI2 (Applied Institute of Artificial Intelligence) and Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), in Kano, signed a framework cooperation agreement (MoU) on 28 October 2026. Progression pathways to Paris, student and faculty exchanges, an international hackathon and a Summer School: the stated goal is a first cohort of MAAUN students in Paris for the September 2027 intake.
A framework agreement signed between Paris and Kano
The agreement was signed on 28 October 2026 by Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, President of MAAUN, in Kano, and by Yacine Aslimi, Founding President of AI2, in Paris. Concluded for three years, it sets the framework for academic, scientific and international cooperation between a Nigerian institution and a French institution.
It comes with a first operational programme, Amendment No. 1, covering 2026 to 2029.
MAAUN at a glance
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria is a private university in Kano, licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Universities Commission (NUC). Its School of Computing offers programmes in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems and Data Science.
MAAUN’s computing foundation and AI2’s specialisation in applied artificial intelligence are complementary: that is the starting point of the agreement.
What the agreement covers
- progression pathways for MAAUN students and graduates to continue their studies at AI2 in France;
- student exchanges: semesters, internships, short stays and summer programmes;
- exchanges of faculty, researchers and experts;
- shared modules, co-teaching and, in the longer term, a double degree or joint pathway;
- joint student projects and applied research;
- hackathons, conferences, masterclasses and webinars;
- short certifying courses for students, graduates and professionals;
- internships, employability and student entrepreneurship.
Five progression routes to AI2
- Route A, Bachelor completion: after Year 2 or Year 3 of a relevant B.Sc., Bachelor Year 3 at AI2, in one year.
- Route B, Mastère 1 entry: with a B.Sc. in computing or a related field, Mastère 1 then Mastère 2 in AI and Data Science, in two years.
- Route C, Mastère 2 entry: with a B.Sc. and relevant experience, or a PGD or M.Sc., the specialised Mastère 2 in AI and Data Science, in one year.
- Route D, 3 + 2 progression: after Year 3 of a computing B.Sc., an integrated progression to the Mastère years, subject to programme mapping.
- Route E, double degree: a joint pathway to be designed, subject to the required approvals.
AI2 programmes lead to professional certifications registered in the French RNCP at Level 6 (Bachelor) and Level 7 (Mastère), recognised by the French State. A joint working group is comparing programmes, credits and grading scales (CGPA) to set the entry requirements for each route. The priority fields are AI and data science, data engineering, generative AI and agents, IoT and digital twins, and AI for cybersecurity.
International hackathon and a Summer School in Paris
The two institutions will run a joint hackathon, in principle every year, lasting 48 hours to 5 days, online or hybrid, with mixed AI2 and MAAUN teams. First-edition themes: AI and cybersecurity, and AI for Africa’s digital economy (fintech, agritech, healthtech).
AI2 will also host MAAUN students and faculty for a one- to two-week AI and Data Summer School in Paris: workshops, immersion in the Paris tech ecosystem, an applied project and an AI2 certificate. A pilot edition is planned for summer 2027.
Joint projects and faculty exchanges
Each year, projects will bring together students from both institutions: AI-based anomaly detection in cybersecurity, AI for agriculture and food security from sensor and satellite data, a multilingual assistant built on a RAG architecture, and data-driven decision support for health services. Two to four faculty cross-interventions are planned per academic year.
Timeline
- October and November 2026: scoping, coordinators appointed, curricula exchanged.
- December 2026 to early 2027: credit and grading mapping, pathways selected.
- February and March 2027: implementing agreements, joint communication, applications open.
- Summer and September 2027: Paris Summer School and first cohort.
Like any framework agreement, this MoU does not create automatic admission or equivalence: each host institution alone decides on admission, and students handle their own visa through the Campus France procedure.
Studying from Nigeria? Read Study AI in France from Nigeria: costs, Campus France and visa.
Which AI2 programme does your Nigerian qualification open? See Nigerian qualifications and AI2 entry levels: WAEC, HND, B.Sc., PGD and M.Sc., with tuition.
Frequently asked questions
Who signed the AI2 and MAAUN agreement?
Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, President of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, and Yacine Aslimi, Founding President of AI2, on 28 October 2026.
How long does the agreement last?
Three years from signature, renewable by mutual agreement after a joint review.
When will the first MAAUN students arrive in Paris?
The goal set by both institutions is a first cohort for the September 2027 intake, with a pilot Summer School in summer 2027.
Can institutions affiliated with MAAUN join?
Yes. The agreement allows any higher education institution affiliated with MAAUN to accede to it, subject to AI2’s acceptance.
