Al-Istiqama University is a private tertiary institution located in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State. The university was granted an operating licence by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in April 2021.
Academic activities commenced in September 2021 during the 2020/2021 academic session. At take-off, the university offered 15 academic programmes across three faculties: Basic Health Sciences, Arts and Social Management Sciences, and Science and Computing.
Under the Faculty of Arts and Social Management Sciences, the university runs programmes in Accounting, Islamic Studies, Economics, Entrepreneurial Studies, Political Science, and Taxation. The Faculty of Basic Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Computing offer programmes such as BMLS Medical Laboratory Science, BNSc Nursing, and Public Health.
The Faculty of Science and Computing runs courses in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, and Physics with Electronics.
In 2023, the university received approval to introduce 10 additional undergraduate programmes across the three faculties. These include B.A. Arabic, B.A. English, B.A. Shari’ah, B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, B.Sc. Sociology, B.Sc. Community Health, B.Sc. Environmental Health, and B.Sc. Biotechnology.
Consequently, in October 2024, after three years of operating under a provisional licence, the National Universities Commission granted Al-Istiqama University full operational status, affirming its compliance with regulatory standards in facilities, staffing, governance, and academic programmes.
One of the hallmarks of Al-Istiqama University is its unwavering commitment to discipline and safety. The institution enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse, ensuring a healthy and secure environment for students and staff. Through close collaboration with relevant authorities, the university has established itself as one of the safest tertiary institutions in Kano State.
Since its inception, Al-Istiqama University has remained dedicated to bridging educational gaps, promoting global learning, and fostering experiential education, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurship—all rooted in the fear of Allah.
Four years after its establishment, the university has witnessed rapid and unprecedented growth, both academically and structurally. Its holistic approach to education, affordable fees, modern facilities, and commitment to sustainable service delivery have positioned it as a beacon of excellence among its peers in Nigeria and beyond.
In its efforts to create a conducive learning environment, the management has remained resolute in providing the necessary infrastructure to meet and exceed required standards. These include road networks, solar-powered street lights, clinic facilities, lecture halls, classrooms, lecture theatres, and well-equipped laboratories.
The university’s hostels have also been upgraded to provide comfortable and serene living spaces for students. A special hostel complex, designed to accommodate two students per room and whose foundation was laid in 2024, has been completed to further enhance student comfort.
Additionally, a 250-bed-capacity Teaching Hospital, intended to cater to the needs of science students and initiated in 2024, has been completed and equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Beyond the provision of solar-powered street lights across the campus, similar energy solutions have been extended to essential faculties and departments to support students’ academic work. These upgrades reflect the university’s dedication to creating a holistic and supportive environment for the academic and personal development of students, lecturers, and other staff.
In February 2025, Al-Istiqama University made history by holding its maiden convocation, celebrating its first set of 246 graduates across the three faculties. During the ceremony, the institution honoured prominent personalities, including the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi; Chairman of A.A Rano Industries Limited, Alhaji Auwalu A. Rano; Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Speaker of the 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 female hostels after Hajiya Saudatu Husini and Hajiya Gaji Fadimatu, mothers of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, respectively. Another female hostel was named after Hajiya Hajara Abdullahi, mother of renowned Kano business mogul, Alhaji Auwalu Rano.
The university library was named after the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Shehu, while the newly constructed Faculty of Law was named after Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Some newly constructed office and classroom complexes were also named after Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and three former Governors of Kano State: Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Following the appointment of Professor Salisu Shehu as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya was appointed substantive Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University in September 2025.
The university graduated a total of 244 students at the end of the 2023/2024 academic session. At the end of the 2024/2025 academic session, an additional 90 students from the Departments of Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing were graduated and inducted into their respective professional councils on December 9, 2025.
In October 2024, the university received approval to introduce 25 new undergraduate programmes, expanding its faculties from three to seven. The additional faculties include the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
Similarly, in October 2025, Al-Istiqama University obtained NUC approval to mount 105 postgraduate programmes. Preparations have reached an advanced stage for the commencement of postgraduate studies at the institution.
Yusuf Adamu Sumaila writes from Kano.
