Overview and History of Skylinne University, Kano

 
Located in the vibrant city of Kano in northern Nigeria, Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) represents a refreshing addition to the higher-education landscape of the region. As the first private tertiary institution in Kano State, SUN is positioned not merely as another university, but as a symbol of what tertiary education can become when aligned with global standards, modern infrastructure and strong value-based training. SUN offers students in the North-West of Nigeria an opportunity to pursue quality tertiary education without having to relocate far away to the south or abroad.In a broader Nigerian context where questions about the relevance of university training, employability of graduates and the gap between academic learning and professional practice are often raised, Skyline University Nigeria is carving out a niche by placing emphasis on innovation, technology, research and entrepreneurship. With its multi-disciplinary schools, modern facilities and international mindset, the institution aims to equip students with knowledge, skills and values to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Whether you’re a prospective student, parent, or academic stakeholder, exploring the story of SUN offers insightful lessons about private higher education in Nigeria’s changing context.

This blog post will walk you through the university’s key details: its official website, motto, founder, history, chancellor (and brief biography), accreditation and recognition, its academic structure and facilities, campus life and student experience, and — although still emerging given the youth of the institution — notable alumni. My aim is to provide a humanized, professional and informative overview that helps you understand what makes SUN unique, its strengths, and what to look out for if you’re considering it.

##Official Website
The official website of Skyline University Nigeria is https://www.sun.edu.ng/Through this portal, prospective students can explore admission requirements, programmes offered, news and events, contact information, and campus updates. It serves as the primary gateway for enquiries and applications. 

##Motto
While a specific “motto” as a concise phrase isn’t publicly emphasised in all materials, the university expresses its vision and mission statements which reflect its guiding values — namely, providing “technologically enabled platforms for innovative research and education” and nurturing “creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship” in a multicultural environment.In effect, one might summarise the ethos as: “Knowledge, Skills, Value-based Education” — emphasising not just academic knowledge, but practical skills and values.

##Founder
The Founder Chairman of Skyline University Nigeria is Kamal Puri
Mr Puri brings with him a long legacy in higher education; he founded the sibling institution, Skyline University College (SUC) in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in the 1990s, and has since been recognised globally for his leadership in education. His vision for SUN aligns with extending that heritage of academic excellence into Nigeria, especially in a region that historically has had fewer private university choices.

##History
Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) was established in 2018 as a private university licensed by the Nigerian government.
The institution traces its roots to its “mother campus”, Skyline University College (SUC) in the UAE, which had been operating since 1990. 
The decision to locate in Kano was strategic: Kano State is one of the largest and most industrialised states in northern Nigeria, and until the establishment of SUN, there was a relative scarcity of private university options in that region. 

After securing its initial licence, the university commenced operations with two primary schools — the School of Arts, Management & Social Sciences (SAMSS) and the School of Science & Information Technology (SSIT). 
As the institution matured, it expanded to include additional schools such as the School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS), the School of Legal Studies (SLS), and a School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS). 

Over the years, SUN has steadily built its infrastructure, student enrolment, academic programmes and reputation. For example, in 2023 the university held its maiden combined convocation for the graduating classes of 2022 and 2023, awarding degrees to hundreds of students. 
Skyline University Nigeria
In addition, the university emphasizes its international orientation, entrepreneurship focus and modernization of facilities, aiming to be a “new horizon” in Nigerian university education as per its founding concept.

Thus, the history of SUN is one of rapid emergence, strategic positioning, and ambition: from licensing in 2018 to full operation and academic programme expansion in subsequent years, the university is positioning itself as a forward-looking institution in northern Nigeria.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II (also referred to as His Highness the Emir of Kano). 

Brief Biography: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II is a prominent Nigerian figure — a member of the Kano royal family, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and well-known for his advocacy of educational reform and good governance. His appointment as Chancellor underscores SUN’s connection to the Kano community, its cultural context and its ambition to integrate local leadership with global educational standards. While his role is largely ceremonial at the university level, his stature brings prestige, regional linkage and influence to the institution.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and recognition are critical for any university. For SUN:

The university holds licensure from the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a private university operating in Kano State. It is described as a fully accredited private university in Kano.

Specific programmes have been subject to accreditation visits and received full accreditation statuses. For example: the programme in Physiotherapy under Allied Health Sciences achieved a full accreditation status. 
National Universities Commission
The programme in Nursing Science similarly was awarded full accreditation. 
National Universities Commission
The university was ranked by the NUC (for the 2021/22 academic year) as Number 1 in internationalization, Number 1 private university in the North-West region, Number 8 private university in Nigeria and Number 16 overall university in Nigeria. 

These recognitions indicate that SUN is meeting national regulatory standards and gaining positive visibility — a reassuring factor for prospective students and stakeholders.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Skyline University Nigeria offers a multi-school academic structure and a set of facilities designed to support modern tertiary education. Key features include:
Schools & Programmes

School of Arts, Management & Social Sciences (SAMSS) 

School of Science & Information Technology (SSIT) 

School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS) 

School of Legal Studies (SLS) 

School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) 

Centre for Continuing Learning (CCL) 

State-of-the-art Infrastructure


##Campus Life and Facilities
Student experience at Skyline University Nigeria goes beyond lectures and labs — the institution places importance on holistic development, social interaction and extracurricular engagement. Some highlights include:

The “Student Life” section on the website emphasises numerous student clubs, academic support groups, placement and internship opportunities, welfare and security services, organized events, and the international student experience. 

Student recreation facilities such as a gymnasium, common room, sporting fields (football, cricket, basketball, lawn tennis), indoor games (table tennis, billiards, chess) provide balance to academic life. 

The campus’s urban setting in Kano offers access to city-life, culture, industry interaction and internships. Being in one of Nigeria’s major industrial and commercial hubs means students can leverage local networks, practical exposure and community engagement.

A sense of campus community: events such as cultural days, social nights, fitness challenges, academic tours and industrial placements are part of the SUN culture. 
Support services: Library, student welfare, counselling, mentor programmes are in place to aid academic success and student well-being.