Overview and History of Prime University, Kuje, FCT Abuja
odita ekene emmanuel
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Education
Located in the serene environs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, Prime University Abuja, situated in Kuje Area Council, is poised to offer a fresh model of higher education—one designed to match the needs of the 21st century student and Nigeria’s emerging economy. From its lush green surroundings, intentionally chosen to give students a focused and calm learning environment, to the emphasis on innovation, technology-driven teaching and career-oriented programming, Prime University aims to stand out among private universities in Nigeria. Since the institution’s formal commencement of academic operations in October 2023, it has positioned itself to “incubate the future.” For many students and parents seeking a university experience that combines modern infrastructure, a supportive residential life, and curricula which respond to global trends, Prime University offers an intriguing choice. Its founding philosophy recognises that higher education should not only produce job-seekers but job-creators; professionals who will innovate, lead, and contribute to society. In a country where young people increasingly face a competitive job market and the rapid disruption of traditional employment, the University’s emphasis on creativity, mentorship and entrepreneurship is especially timely.
As you explore Prime University Abuja, you will discover that it is more than a place for lectures and exams: it is designed as a community, a learning environment, and a launching pad for future statesmen, business leaders and career professionals. Whether you are a prospective student, a parent, or simply someone interested in higher education in Nigeria, this profile will walk you through the official website, motto, founder background, history, leadership, accreditation, academic structure, campus life, and notable alumni (where known) of this promising institution.
##Official Website
The official website of Prime University Abuja is https://primeuniversity.edu.ngOn the site you will find information on admissions, academic programmes, the university’s vision and mission statements, contact details, and news updates. The website states clearly that the institution was “established in 2023 to be a pacesetter in innovative education in Nigeria.”
The site is well-laid out for prospective students, giving access to online application forms, detailed admission requirements and contact points for both the main campus and liaison offices in Abuja. It serves as a valuable first step for anyone seriously considering study there.
##Motto
While Prime University Abuja does not appear to have a single official motto in the classic sense (a short phrase typically displayed on a crest), the institution embraces a guiding philosophy and value-statement: “Incubating the Future.” This appears prominently on its home page.
Further, the “About Us” page offers the vision: “To be a pacesetter in innovative education in Nigeria,” and mission: “To deploy technology to nurture creativity and innovation, for preparing professionals, statesmen and business leaders.”
These statements communicate the university’s ambition and orientation: excellence, innovation, mentorship, responsible citizenship. It emphasises not just academic knowledge, but the development of lifelong capacity, leadership, and purposeful professional engagement.
##Founder
The founding of Prime University Abuja is attributed to a consortium of private secondary schools in the FCT: specifically, Capital Science Academy (CSA) and Nigeria-Ghana International College (NGIC). They partnered with a third school, Al-Noor International Academy (AIA), to launch the university.
While the names of individual entrepreneurs or donors behind the schools are not deeply publicised in the online sources, the collective founding group emphasises community-based and education-driven leadership in the FCT, intending to build on the success and reputation of their secondary school institutions.
##History
Prime University Abuja is one of Nigeria’s newer private universities. The timeline of its institution is as follows: Planning and conception of the institution emerged from the founding group of secondary schools (CSA, NGIC, and AIA) in the Federal Capital Territory, which sought to extend their educational-mission into higher education. The “About Us” page describes how the universities were founded with the intention of sharing a philosophy of teaching humanity the techniques of fishing rather than giving a single fish — in other words, equipping students for a lifelong journey of learning and leadership, not simply providing short-term credentials.
On 17 September 2023, Prime University announced the commencement of administrative operations in preparation for academic activities, with campuses located at the old site of Capital Science Academy and at the former premises of Nigeria-Ghana International College, both in Kuje. Academic recruitment and student admissions for undergraduate and remedial programmes were underway.
In June 2025, the university held its maiden matriculation ceremony, officially welcoming its pioneer class of students. At that ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor announced expansion plans including the launch of a city campus by September 2025, and the establishment of new programmes such as a Faculty of Nursing & Public Health, as well as approved new undergraduate courses in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and International Relations & Diplomacy.
In summary, although the institution is still very young, Prime University has set up its infrastructure and programmes with a clear vision, and is positioning itself rapidly to become recognised in Nigeria’s private higher education sector.
##Chancellor
At present public sources list the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of Prime University Abuja as Dr Kabir Kabo Usman (commonly referred to as Dr Kabir Kabo). He was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the university in August 2023 for a five-year term.
Brief Biography of Dr Kabir Kabo Usman:
He holds a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from Bayero University Kano (1981), a Master of Science in Chemical Technology (Petroleum Chemistry and Hydrocarbon) from Manchester University, UK (1984), and a PhD in Chemistry (1988) from Manchester University.
He also obtained an MBA from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2006, and a Certificate of Education / Postgraduate Certificate of Education between 1994-1996.
His career includes roles as Dean at Manchester University (UK), a lecturer at multiple UK institutions (1986-1990), and a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Manchester (1988-1992). On returning to Nigeria, he served in roles such as Technical Adviser to the Minister for National Planning on social sector strategy coordination (Vision 20:2020).
At Prime University he is tasked with strategic leadership: culture, quality, commercialisation, funding and knowledge exchange across the University.
While the title “Chancellor” is commonly used in Nigerian universities, in this case the publicly-announced senior role is Pro-Chancellor. Additional appointments of a full Chancellor may be forthcoming as the institution grows.
##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and regulatory recognition are central to the credibility of any higher-education institution. Prime University Abuja is listed in the approved degree list of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as a private university.
Moreover, multiple sources state that the institution is licensed and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. For example, the MyTax directory states it is “licensed and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC)”.
During its maiden matriculation, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the Faculty of Law had received full approval from the Council of Legal Education and new undergraduate programmes are underway.
In short, Prime University Abuja appears to have met the regulatory requirements for operation as a private university in Nigeria and is proceeding to roll out fully approved academic programmes.
##Academic Structure and Facilities
Prime University Abuja has structured its academic and campus facilities to support an innovative, technology-enabled, career-oriented student experience. Below are key components.
Academic Structure
Faculty of Science & Computing
Faculty of Social & Management Sciences
Faculty of Law
##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at Prime University Abuja is shaped by its location in Dafara Village in the Gaube District of Kuje Area Council, FCT, a setting described as “lush-green” and “serene,” offering an atmosphere away from the hustle of Nigeria’s major city centres.
Students experience a blend of academic, residential and recreational life:
Comfortable hostels with good amenities that make the semester stay feel like “home”.
A wireless internet-backed campus with modern ICT infrastructure, enabling digital learning and access to online resources.
Stable utility services (electricity and water) across campus, which is a significant benefit in the Nigerian context.
Sporting and recreational facilities that encourage student engagement beyond the classroom.
Shopping areas on campus, and proximity to Kuje Township for off-campus needs during weekends. The ability to balance serious study with a pleasant living environment is emphasised.
A student culture built around mentorship, innovation and community — the institution’s values emphasise responsibility, performance, innovation and excellence.
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