Overview and History of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State

 
Nestled in the town of Sumaila, on the outskirts of Kano in northern Nigeria, Al-Istiqama University offers an appealing blend of modern higher education with character formation rooted in moral purpose. In a region where access to high quality private tertiary institutions remains somewhat limited, AUSU stands out as an emerging citadel of learning—aiming to provide students not only with academic credentials, but also with the knowledge, integrity and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The serene rural or semi-rural environment of Sumaila affords students a focus-friendly campus away from the distractions of major urban sprawl; yet the institution’s ambitions stretch far beyond the locale, positioning itself to prepare graduates for national and global participation.
Because the Nigerian university landscape is increasingly competitive—with pressure from accreditation requirements, infrastructural demands, graduate employability and cost concerns—AUSU’s mission is timely. Prospective students and stakeholders should find in it a student-centred environment committed to discipline, research, character formation and modern facilities. In this blog post, we will explore AUSU’s official web presence, its motto and underlying values, the founder driving its vision, its history (still comparatively recent but dynamic), the chancellor and leadership, its accreditation and recognition status, the academic structure and facilities (six plus key features), campus life and facilities, and finally any notable alumni (if available). The aim is to give you a rounded, humanised, informative and educative overview of Al-Istiqama University in Sumaila.

##Official Website
The official website of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila is https://ausumaila.edu.ng/Through this portal, prospective students, parents and other stakeholders can find information on application forms, academic programmes, institutional mission and vision, and latest news and events. The site presents the university’s vision and mission prominently, as well as links to admission notices and contact information.

##Motto
While the university does not appear to publish a succinct single-line “motto” in the sense of a tagline easily found, its mission statement reads: “to encourage global study, experiential learning and research, interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurial endeavours with ultimate fear of Allah.” This reflects the institution’s deeper values: global and experiential learning, research orientation, interdisciplinarity, entrepreneurship, and ethical/spiritual grounding. Prospective students might interpret this as a promise that their education will be oriented not just to earning a degree, but to becoming active, entrepreneurial, morally aware citizens of a changing world.

##Founder
The founder and Chairman of Al-Istiqama University is Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila OFR (often called “Kawu Sumaila”), a Nigerian politician, business man and education-entrepreneur from Kano State.

Dr. Kawu Sumaila has served in the Nigerian House of Representatives, been Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, and now serves as a Senator representing Kano South. 

His founding of AUSU reflects his desire to give back to the region, create educational opportunities, and shape an institution where character formation and academic excellence merge. The scholarship programmes he helped initiate (e.g., for less-privileged students) demonstrate his philanthropic approach to education. 

##History
Though still a young institution, Al-Istiqama University’s history is marked by swift movement toward establishing itself as a credible private university in Kano State. The university commenced operations following approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and began admitting students, with an early cohort of several hundred undergraduates. For example, during a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, the Vice-President of Nigeria recognised the institution’s potential and cited that around 500 students had been registered in the early phase. 

In terms of infrastructure and growth, the university has invested significantly: in early-2025 it announced major upgrades (tarring of internal roads, solar-powered street-lights, modern hostels, laboratories) to support its convocation event and enhance campus life. 

In October 2024, the NUC issued the university a full operational licence, completing the transition from a provisional licence. This milestone indicated the institution had met required standards for infrastructure, staffing, academic programmes and governance. 

The university reports that in its 2023/24 session it graduated 243 students who were posted to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), reinforcing its growing maturity as a degree-granting institution. 

As such, AUSU is building on a foundation of faith-based vision, rapid growth, infrastructural development and accreditation progress. For students seeking a newer but ambitious institution, this offers both opportunity and the need to weigh the “young institution” factor alongside its rising credentials.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor role at AUSU has seen distinguished traditional leadership involvement. Initially, the Aminu Ado Bayero (Emir of Kano) was appointed as the pioneer Chancellor of the university. 

However, in February 2025, the institution announced the appointment of Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi (Emir of Dutse) as Chancellor. 

Brief biography: Emir Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi is a respected Northern traditional ruler. His appointment as Chancellor reflects the university’s connection to regional leadership, tradition, and the aspiration to combine modern education with cultural and moral values. The chancellor’s role is largely ceremonial but also symbolic: anchoring the institution’s standing, attracting influence, helping steer strategic vision, and signalling credibility in the Nigerian higher-education landscape.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and formal recognition are pivotal for student confidence and degree legitimacy—and AUSU has made important strides here.

In October 2024 the NUC issued AUSU a full operational licence, moving the institution out of its provisional status after fulfilling standard compliance requirements. 

The university has received full accreditation for key programmes: for example, its Medical Laboratory Science programme gained full accreditation by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) for five years. 

Reports indicate the institution is already operating multiple faculties offering accredited degrees in Arts, Social & Management Sciences; Science & Computing; and Health Sciences. 

Together, these recognitions strengthen the credibility of the university and give prospective students confidence that their degrees are valid and nationally accepted.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Al-Istiqama University offers a modern academic structure augmented by facilities designed to support teaching, research, student life and moral formation. Key features include:

Arts/Social & Management Sciences

Science & Computing

Health Sciences


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at Al-Istiqama University reflects its emphasis on holistic student development—academic, moral, social, and experiential. Some key elements:

Residential Community: Students live on­-campus in hostels, creating a shared living/learning environment, easier access to classes and peer networking. The revamping of hostels in 2025 underscores its importance. 

Discipline & Safe Environment: The university emphasises discipline (for example, suspension of a student for public expression of affection) and safety, which many parents and students value in a campus environment. 

Modern & Sustainable Infrastructure: As noted, internal roads, solar-street lights, consistent power supply, modern classrooms and labs – all contribute to a campus conducive to study and engagement. 

Faith-Based Character Formation: The institution’s mission emphasises fear of Allah, moral integrity and character, meaning that campus life includes spiritual spaces, mentoring and a moral code. This shapes student culture beyond academics. 

Entrepreneurship & Skill Development: The campus encourages students to engage beyond lectures—entrepreneurial endeavours, practical skills and community engagement are encouraged. 

Proximity and Environment: The rural/semirural setting of Sumaila offers a quieter environment—less urban distraction—which can contribute to focused study and community. Reports highlight this as a strength.