Overview and History of Newgate University, Minna, Niger State

 
In a time when higher education in Nigeria is rapidly evolving to meet global standards, Newgate University, Minna (NUM) emerges as a fresh and ambitious player based in Niger State. Established with the vision of nurturing critical thinkers, innovative professionals and socially-engaged graduates, NUM strives to offer more than just degrees—it aims to shape lives and uplift communities. Situated in Minna, the capital of Niger State, the university blends modern infrastructure, technology-enabled learning and a diverse academic portfolio to position itself as a destination for students who want to “explore to excel”. For prospective undergraduates, NUM offers a compelling alternative: it is a private institution dedicated to bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world demands. Its campus culture emphasises values like integrity, collaboration, lifelong learning and innovation. The university invites students to become more than consumers of knowledge—to become creators, problem-solvers and contributors to society. The teaching-learning environment supports this through access to laboratories, digital platforms, research opportunities and community engagements.

As the Nigerian economy grows and changes, there is a heightened need for graduates who are not only technically competent, but also agile, ethical and ready to operate in a globalised world. NUM recognises this and embeds these imperatives into its ethos. Whether your interest lies in health sciences, computing, business, social sciences or law, NUM aims to provide the foundations, experiences and support necessary to succeed. In short, Newgate University, Minna invites you to join a community committed to excellence, relevance and impact.

##Official Website
The official website of Newgate University, Minna is https://newgateuniversityminna.edu.ng/On this site you can find information on undergraduate programmes, pre-degree and corporate education options, admission procedures, student handbook details and the latest news from the university. 

The website serves as a comprehensive gateway for prospective students, offering detailed programme descriptions, application guidelines and insights into the campus life and institutional governance.

##Motto
The motto of Newgate University is “Explore to Excel.” 

This short phrase reflects a layered ambition: students are encouraged first to explore — whether that means exploring ideas, disciplines, perspectives, research, or innovation — and then to excel, meaning to achieve competence, leadership and impact in their chosen fields. It communicates the expectation that education is not passive but active, requiring curiosity, engagement and striving for high standards.

##Founder
The university traces its roots to the educational and entrepreneurial vision of Mallam Hassan Nuhu (often styled “Mayanan Minna”). 

Mallam Nuhu is a respected public servant turned entrepreneur who built a chain of educational institutions in Niger State—starting from primary/secondary schools, to the Newgate College of Health Technology, and culminating in the establishment of Newgate University. His belief in education as a tool for empowerment and community transformation underpins the founding mission of the university.

##History
The establishment of Newgate University, Minna, represents a strategic response to evolving educational needs in Nigeria’s North Central region. The university built on the successes of the Newgate educational brand—particularly the Newgate College of Health Technology, Minna, which was founded in 2014. 

From its founding vision—rooted in equal opportunity, innovation and value-driven education—NUM has gradually materialised into a degree-awarding institution. According to the university’s “About Us” page, it was established on “the principles of equal opportunity, equity and justice in an environment where modern technology is used to nurture skills in critical thinking, creativity and problem solving.” 

The process of accreditation and quality assurance has been an important part of its early years. For example, in a visit by the accreditation team of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in late 2024 and early 2025, NUM’s programmes such as Software Engineering, Mass Communication, Accounting, Nursing Science and Public Health achieved scores above 90 per cent—leading to full accreditation of its undergraduate programmes. 

The university has also moved to enhance its infrastructure, expand programmes (including approval for Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB)), and embed innovation hubs and business development centres in its ecosystem. 

Today, NUM stands as one of Niger State’s first private universities to achieve such strides, offering young Nigerians new options for quality higher education—with frameworks oriented to excellence, relevance and community impact.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Newgate University is Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN. 
Brief biography:
Chief Gadzama is a distinguished legal practitioner, an accomplished arbitrator and a national figure in the Nigerian legal profession. He graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 1985 (Common Law) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998—the first SAN from the University of Maiduguri and the wider North-East region.

His international credentials include a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Keble College, Oxford (2006) and further studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Institute for Public-Private Partnerships in Washington D.C. 

His leadership of J-K Gadzama LLP (a major law firm) and membership of national legal and arbitration bodies (including life benchers and chartered arbitrators) illustrate his professional depth. As Chancellor of NUM, he brings a high level of integrity, global perspective and commitment to the rule of law and governance—qualities the university aims to embed in its culture.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Newgate University, Minna has achieved significant milestones in accreditation and recognition:

The National Universities Commission (NUC) granted full accreditation for the university’s undergraduate programmes in early 2025, after evaluations in October-November 2024. 

Among the programmes reviewed and accredited were Software Engineering, Mass Communication, Accounting, Nursing Science, and Public Health, with scores above 90 %. 

The NUC also approved two new significant programmes: a six-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). 

The university is listed as receiving visits from accreditation teams who verified infrastructure, library, studios and academic quality.

These recognitions underscore that NUM is formally accredited, its degrees are recognised and its programmes meet national standards—a major concern for students and employers alike.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Newgate University, Minna offers a growing academic structure anchored on modern facilities. Below are at least six notable features:

Diverse Faculties & Programmes: NUM offers undergraduate programmes across multiple disciplines including:

Computing and Information Technology

Medical & Health Sciences

Management

Social Sciences

Law

Physiotherapy


##Campus Life and Facilities
At Newgate University, Minna, campus life is structured to support both academic engagement and holistic student development. While detailed lists of every facility are still emerging (the university is relatively new), several features stand out:

Student-Friendly Policies: With scholarships, application-fee waivers and tuition discounts for select cohorts, the university demonstrates a commitment to access and affordability.

Matriculation & Community Building: Events such as the matriculation of 460 new students into 14 programmes are more than formalities—they mark entry into the university community and set a tone for shared values, discipline and ambition. 

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub: With the commissioning of the Innovation & Business Development Centre, students have access to spaces for creativity, business incubation and interface with industry. 

Modern Teaching Spaces & Media Facilities: For media and communications students, studios and digital labs are part of the campus experience. 

Supportive Governance & Handbook: With clear student handbooks and policies, the institution ensures students understand responsibilities, rights and campus expectations—for a safer and more organised campus environment. 

Location & Community: Situated in Minna, Niger State, the university is positioned within a capital city context which offers access to urban amenities, local industries and the potential for community-engagement activities.