Overview and History of Jewel University, Gombe State

 
In an era when higher education in Nigeria is expanding rapidly, offering fresh opportunities in regions previously underserved, Jewel University in Gombe State is emerging as a promising institution. Located along the Shongo-Idrisa, Gombe-Bauchi Road in Gombe State, this private university aims to bridge gaps in access, infrastructure and academic innovation for students in the North-East region of the country. What stands out about the university is its dual commitment: first, to providing solid academic programmes that match national and global demands; and second, to fostering graduates who not only hold degrees but are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. Jewel University is designed to respond to realities often faced by students in the region—such as limited options, the need for quality teaching, and modern facilities. By positioning itself as a modern institution with industry-relevant programmes, the university seeks to attract students who value both academic rigour and real-world applicability. In doing so, it is putting forward the idea that geography should not restrict educational ambition. For parents, students and stakeholders in Gombe State and neighbouring states, Jewel University offers an alternative to travelling far away for tertiary education—thus reducing cost, disruption, and enabling students to remain closer to home while pursuing high-quality studies.

Moreover, beyond just academic offerings, the institution’s ethos emphasises value, integrity and innovation. It recognises that graduates today must do more than pass exams—they must be problem-solvers, ethical leaders, and innovative thinkers. In a time when Nigeria’s job market is evolving fast and demands are shifting, the role of institutions like Jewel University becomes critical. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the institution’s official website, motto, founder, history, key leadership, accreditation, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and highlight the current state of its alumni network.

##Official Website
The official website for Jewel University, Gombe is https://www.jeweluniversity.edu.ng/This portal serves as the authoritative digital gateway to the university’s mission, programmes, admission requirements, academic calendar, and contact information. Prospective students, parents and stakeholders can find resources such as application details, faculty breakdowns, and news about the university’s development. 

##Motto
Jewel University promotes the tagline “Developing Great Minds for Global Impact.” 

This motto encapsulates the institution’s aspiration: to nurture minds that are not only competent in local or national contexts, but also globally minded, ready to engage with international challenges, networks and opportunities. It signals that the university’s ambition goes beyond regional service—it aims for relevance and impact in a wider world.

##Founder
The founder of Jewel University is named as the proprietor of the university, located in Gombe State’s Shongo-Idrisa area. According to a job-advertisement notice published by the university, the applications for principal officers were to be submitted to: “The Founder, Jewel University Shongo Idrisa, Gombe, Gombe State.” 

Although the publicly available sources do not deeply profile the founder’s personal biography, this information indicates the institution is privately established, with a founding body committed to its governance and strategic oversight.

##History
Jewel University is one of Nigeria’s more recently licensed private universities, and its history is illustrative of the ongoing expansion of private higher education in the country. Public listings of approved universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) include Jewel University, Gombe, with establishment year listed as 2023. 

The institution emerged in a context where Gombe State and the North-East region at large were seeking to broaden tertiary education options, reduce student out-migration and improve local capacity. The university site on Shongo-Idrisa, Gombe-Bauchi Road, positions it physically for accessibility. 

In its foundational materials, the university sets out its mission, vision and core values—emphasising excellence in teaching, research, service and ethical conduct. 

Its programme listing shows that from early on it has aimed to offer diverse degree programmes in computing, environmental sciences, management sciences and more. 

Despite being new, it has taken steps toward building infrastructure, admitting students, and establishing its brand. For example, in July 2024 the Vice-Chancellor announced deadlines for admission and described the university as “the newest and most innovative private university in the North-East region in Nigeria.” 

Thus, while the institution does not yet have decades of history, it is navigating the early years with intent: positioning growth, establishing proper academic programmes, building facilities, and serving its region. As it matures, its impact, alumni and reputation will become more visible, but already it represents an added option and fresh momentum in Nigerian higher education.

##Chancellor
While detailed public information about the Chancellor of Jewel University is limited, the institution has identified a pioneer Vice-Chancellor: Professor Mohammed Kabir. He is a professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, born on 26 August 1970, and he has achieved professorship in 2018 with numerous publications and academic service roles. 

While the title “Chancellor” is normally a ceremonial head, the Vice-Chancellor is the academic and administrative leader. Professor Kabir’s appointment signals the university’s commitment to credible and experienced leadership. His academic pedigree—having supervised many postgraduate students, published significantly, and served in various university committees—offers confidence in the institution’s academic governance. 

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and recognition are absolutely critical for any tertiary institution’s reputation and legitimacy. Jewel University appears in the NUC’s list of approved private universities, with establishment year 2023. 

In addition, the institution publishes its programme listings and admission requirements, which align with national norms for undergraduate degrees. 

While full details of each programme’s accreditation (by the NUC or professional bodies) may not be widely published yet, the inclusion of Jewel University in the official NUC approved list is a strong indicator that it is formally recognised as a private university in Nigeria.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Jewel University presents a diverse academic structure and a range of facilities designed to support its teaching, research and student-life goals. Below are key points:

Faculties and Programmes – The university has at least two major faculties: 

Faculty of Management Sciences

Faculty of Computing and Environmental Sciences


##Campus Life and Facilities
Life on campus at Jewel University is oriented not just toward classrooms and exams, but toward a holistic student experience. Some highlights:

Student accommodation options varying by room type (1-bed, 2-bed, 4-bed) promote comfort and choice. 

The university emphasises quality at affordable cost, which suggests that students from the North-East region may access tertiary education closer to home and under conditions suited to their needs. 

With programmes that include technology, architecture, logistics and security studies, there is likely a diverse student body and associated clubs/activities (though detailed student-club information is not yet widely published).

The campus’s location on Gombe-Bauchi Road provides connectivity and accessibility, which is important for students commuting, living on-campus, or engaging with the wider community.

While explicit listings of sports, recreation, cultural clubs are less visible publicly at this point, the institution’s admission materials and website emphasise student-support services, ICT, and a learning environment designed for modern expectations.