Al-Istiqama University@5: So Far,So good
By Yushau Adamu Ibrahim
Al-Istiqama University is a private tertiary institution located in Sumaila local government area of Kano state. The university was granted license for operation in April 2021 by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
However, the university commenced academic activities on September 2021 with 2020/2021 academic session. It took-off with 15 programmes across three Faculties; Basic Health Science, Arts and Social Management and Science and Computing.
The University is running the following courses under the Faculty of Arts and Social Management Science; Accounting, Islamic Studies, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Political Science and Taxation, while under the Faculty of Basic Health Science and Science and Computing, it runs BMLS Medical Laboratory Science, BN.Sc Nursing and Public Health.
Under the Faculty of Science and Computing, the university is running Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics Software Engineering and Physics with Electronics.
In 2023, the university obtained an approval to mount 10 additional undergraduate degree programmes across the three faculties. These are:B.A Arabic, B.A English, B.A Shari’ah, B.Sc. Criminology Security Studies, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Peace Students and Conflicts Resolution, B.Sc. Sociology, B. Community Health, B. Environmental Health and B.Sc. Biotechnology.
Consequently, in October 2024, after three years under provisional license, the National Universities Commission (NUC) granted full operational status to the university, affirmed its compliance with regulatory standards for facilities, staff, governance and academic programmes.
One of the hallmarks of Al-Istiqama University is its unwavering commitment to discipline and safety. The university maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse, ensuring a healthy and secure environment for both students and staff.
Also, through close collaboration with relevant authorities, the institution has established itself as one of the safest tertiary institutions in Kano State.
Since its inception, Al-Istiqama University has been dedicated to bridging educational gaps, promoting global study, and fostering experiential learning, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—all rooted in the fear of Allah.
Four years after its establishment, Al-Istiqama University has witnessed unprecedented and rapid developments both academically and structurally. The institution’s holistic approach to education, combined with its affordable fees, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to sustainability in its services, has positioned it as a beacon of excellence among its peers in Nigeria and beyond.
The management of the institution, in its efforts to make the university’s environment conducive for learning, remained resolute in providing all it requires to make the institution meet the standard.For instance, the management has provided modern facilities including road network, solar-powered street lights, clinic facility, lecture halls, classrooms, lecture theaters, and laboratories.
The university’s hostels have been revamped to provide comfortable and serene living spaces for the students. The special hostel complex with specifications of two students per room which foundation was laid in 2024 has been completed with a view to providing comfort to students.
Additionally, the 250-bed capacity Teaching Hospital meant to carter for the needs of sciences students which was also started in 2024, has not only been completed but equipped with state-of-the-art hospital equipment.
Beside the provisions of solar-powered street lights within the campuses of the university, similar source of energy has been provided to essential faculties and departments in order to ease the students’ coursework.
These upgrades reflect the institution’s dedication to creating a holistic and conducive environment that supports both academic and personal growth for both the students, lecturers and other staff of the university.
In February 2025, Al-Istiqama made a history by holding its maiden convocation to celebrate its first set of 246 graduates who completed their studies across the three faculties. During the convocation, the institution honored prominent personalities including the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, Chairman of AA Rano Industries limited, Alhaji Auwalu A. Rano, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Salisu Shehu.
The institution also named two newly constructed females’ hostels after Hajiya Saudatu Husini and Hajiya Gaji Fadimatu, mothers of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II and Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi respectively.
Another females’ hostel was named after Hajiya Hajara Abdullahi, mother of the Kano renowned business mogul, Alhaji Auwalu Rano, while the University’s library after the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Salisu Shehu, while the newly constructed Faculty of Law was named after Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Also, some newly-constructed offices and classes complexes were named after Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, three former Governors of Kano state, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Following to appointment of Professor Salisu Shehu as the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research Development Commission (NERDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya was appointed substantive Vice Chancellor of the University in September 2025.
The university has graduated a total of 244 students at the end of the 2023/2024 academic session, while at the end of the 2024/2025 academic session 90 students from the departments of Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing were graduated and inducted into their respective councils on the 9th December 2025.
In October last year, the university obtained an additional approval to mount 25 new undergraduate degree programmes, expanding the number of facilities to seven from three. The three additional faculties include Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Basic Medical Science.
Also, in October 2025, the university obtained another approval from the NUC to mount 105 Post Graduate Courses. Preparations have reached advance stage for the commencement of the Post Graduate Courses in the university.