By Abubakar Sulaiman
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, has restated its commitment to academic excellence and global relevance through continued investment in quality education, modern infrastructure, and international partnerships.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya, made this known during a media briefing held on Wednesday at the university’s campus in Sumaila.
“Our commitment is irrevocable. We are building an institution that produces graduates of character, competence, and conscience — graduates who are qualified to contribute immensely to national and global development,” Kumurya said.
He disclosed that a total of 243 students successfully graduated in the 2023/2024 academic session and have since joined the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“The graduates represent the fruits of our labour and the dedication of the university to mastery across disciplines,” he added.
Accreditation and New Programmes
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the university currently operates accredited programmes across three faculties — Arts, Social and Management Sciences; Science and Computing; and Health Sciences.
Accredited programmes include:
– Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences: B.A. Arabic, B.A. English, B.A. Islamic Studies, B.Sc. Political Science, B.Sc. Sociology, and B.Sc. Public Administration.
– Faculty of Science and Computing: B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Biology, and B.Sc. Biotechnology.
– School of Health Sciences: B.Sc. Public Health, B.Sc. Nursing Science, and B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Science.
Kumurya further revealed that the university has developed new programmes awaiting approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
These include:
– Faculty of Clinical Sciences: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery).
– School of Law: Bachelor of Laws (Common and Islamic Law).
– Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences: B.Eng. Civil Engineering, B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering, B.Eng. Computer Engineering, B.Tech. Architecture, and Quantity Surveying.
He added that other proposed programmes under review for accreditation include Audiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Radiography, Dental Therapy, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Doctor of Physiotherapy.
“All new programmes that we introduce must meet the best regulatory and professional standards. That is why we build our academic foundation responsibly,” he said.
“It is our mission to equip students with globally competitive competencies grounded in moral values.”
Infrastructure and Technological Advancement
The Vice-Chancellor noted that construction of new academic facilities had reached 80 percent completion, providing sufficient space for all 22 planned programmes.
He also announced that the university had doubled its internet bandwidth, enhancing online learning, research, and administrative efficiency.
“Our investments in technological innovation have enhanced blended learning and created a modern environment for innovation and discovery,” he said.
Kumurya commended both staff and students for their resilience and commitment to the university’s goals.
“Our staff and students have demonstrated great loyalty to our values. Their tenacity shapes the kind of institution we are building — one based on discipline, excellence, and integrity,” he added.
Global Partnerships and Acknowledgements
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that Al-Istiqama University has established international partnerships, notably with Sabratha University in Libya, aimed at promoting academic mobility and collaborative research.
“We are expanding our footprint globally through partnerships that strengthen our academic environment and give our students new perspectives,” he said.
Kumurya appreciated the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for their continued support, describing their relationship with the university as “friendly, helpful, and significant to our development.”
He also thanked the university’s founder, Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila (OFR, PhD), for his unwavering commitment to the institution’s vision.
“With faith, cooperation, and assistance from a higher power, Al-Istiqama University shall continue to flourish as an excellent example of learning and righteous practice,” he said.