Overview and History of Franco British International University, Kaduna State

 
In a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy, universities are expected not just to teach — but to shape leaders, innovators, and globally-aware graduates. The Franco-British International University (FBIU), located in Kaduna in north-western Nigeria, presents itself as a fresh and ambitious entrant in this landscape. What makes FBIU particularly compelling is its unique educational philosophy: a fusion of French and British academic styles, aiming to provide Nigerian and African students access to a world-class education without the need to travel abroad. For students and parents in Nigeria who seek institutions offering modern curricula, international relevance and regional accessibility, FBIU offers a meaningful option. Based in Kaduna, an urban but still richly local environment, FBIU promises the conveniences of city access while embedding its campus in a region eager for educational opportunity and development. The university emphasises not just academic rigour, but affordability, discipline, innovation and social responsibility. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key elements of FBIU: its official website, motto (or guiding tagline), founder, history, leadership (particularly its chancellor or equivalent), accreditation and recognition, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and if available, notable alumni. By the end you should have a clear and grounded understanding of what FBIU offers, how it was established, and how it situates itself in Nigeria’s private-university sector. Whether you are a prospective student, guardian, educator or stakeholder, this insight will help you evaluate whether FBIU fits your educational aspirations.

##Official Website
The official website for Franco-British International University is: https://www.fbiu.edu.ng/On the site you’ll find admission information, faculties and programmes, news updates, contact details, and the university’s vision and mission statements. It serves as the primary portal for prospective students to explore courses, entry requirements and the application process. 

##Motto
While FBIU does not appear to display a traditional short motto on its homepage, its guiding tagline is: “Your Journey to Excellence Begins Here”. 
Franco-British International University Additionally, FBIU’s “About” section emphasises its mission to create a “dynamic and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic excellence, fosters innovation, and instils a sense of social responsibility.” Together, these phrases reflect the institution’s focus on excellence, international style, innovation and social contribution.

##Founder
The founder of FBIU is Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, Professor, who also serves as Founder & Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.
Brief biography:
Professor Gwarzo is described on the university website as a “renowned educator and scholar” and titled “Sarkin Yaki da Jahilci (Warrior King of Illiteracy) of Africa”. 
He previously founded other educational institutions (including the Maryam Abacha American University group) and has a long-standing commitment to improving access to quality higher education. 

With FBIU he has sought to bring the combined strengths of French and British academic traditions to Nigeria. 

##History
The history of Franco-British International University is recent but significant in several ways. According to the university’s own “About” section, the idea for FBIU emerged as part of Professor Gwarzo’s broader vision of providing world-class education to Nigerians without them needing to travel abroad. 

In May 2023 the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of two new private universities including FBIU. 

Shortly thereafter, on 9 June 2023 the National Universities Commission (NUC) issued the operating licence for FBIU to operate as a private university. 

The university is located at No. 25 New Panteka Market, off bypass, in Kaduna State. 

Its first intake of students was scheduled to begin October 2024, with initial faculties in computing, nursing and health sciences. 

From the outset, FBIU emphasised a distinctive blend of French and British academic styles, seeking to differentiate itself from typical Nigerian university models. 

Moreover, the founder tied the new institution to broader values of discipline, morality, and international standard

In short: the university’s founding timeline is swift yet clearly structured: concept ? regulatory approval (2023) ? planned start of academic activities (2024) ? building infrastructure and governance in place. As a result, FBIU enters the Nigerian private-university sector with international aspirations and a modern orientation.

##Chancellor
While specific mention of a “Chancellor” is less prominent in public sources, key leadership appointments include the pioneer Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council.

The Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo is Founder & Chairman of the Governing Council (essentially functioning as Chancellor-type figure) of FBIU. 

The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council is Bikash Sharma, a management professional and philanthropist, appointed 28 August 2023. 

The pioneer Vice-Chancellor (operational leader) is Abdullahi Muhammad Sabo, appointed July 2023. 

Brief biography of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abdullahi Muhammad Sabo:
Prof. Sabo is a scholar of Health Education who rose through academic ranks and previously served as Dean, Postgraduate School at Maryam Abacha American University of Niger-Maradi. 
He holds a PhD in Health Education (2010-2013) and has more than 70 journal articles to his credit. 
As the pioneer VC of FBIU, he has been tasked with setting institutional standards, including a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment. 

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation is a foundational element in any university evaluation. For FBIU:

FBIU is officially registered and authorised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a private university in Nigeria. 

The IBASS (JAMB) list includes Franco-British International University, Kaduna State, as an approved private university for degree programmes. 

The nursing sciences faculty appears in the Nursing Programme List of the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria, under FBIU. 

Given that the university is very new (licensed in 2023 and academic activities planned in 2024), individual departmental accreditation (for each programme) may still be in progress; prospective students should verify status for their specific course.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
FBIU presents a modern academic structure and is positioning itself with functional infrastructure. Here are at least six notable elements of its academic structure and facilities:

Faculties/Schools

According to the website, the university is organised into faculties such as 

Social & Management Sciences

Computing & Information Technology

Allied Health Sciences

Nursing Science 

 
##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at FBIU is described as vibrant and student-centred. According to the “Campus Life” section:

The institution is residential (“Student Housing provides a home for eligible students”). 

Clubs and organisations are available (“Clubs and Organizations – Meet new people, pursue your interests and enrich your understanding of the world and the people”). 

Sport and fitness: the campus supports athletics, health and wellness, fitness centres. 

Safety is emphasised, which is particularly relevant in the Kaduna context, giving students and parents confidence. 

Students joining FBIU can expect to live on campus, engage in extra-curricular clubs, use fitness facilities, and learn in an environment designed for modern student living and learning. The ability to access a university with international orientation in Kaduna means students can stay closer to home while pursuing a global standard education.