Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU) is a private university located in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The university was established in 2020 and commenced academic activities in September 2021 after obtaining approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC). It was founded by Distinguished Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila with the aim of providing university education that combines modern academic training with moral and traditional values.

The university offers undergraduate programmes across areas including Arts, Social Sciences and Management, Science and Computing, Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Health Sciences and Law. Its official programme list also includes preliminary, diploma, professional certificate, IJMB, remedial and pre-degree programmes.

According to the university’s official website, Al-Istiqama University has three main faculties in its earlier academic structure and has continued to expand its programmes. The university states that it provides modern lecture facilities, laboratories, library resources, hostel accommodation and other facilities intended to support students’ academic and personal development.

History of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila

Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila was established in 2020 as a private university in Kano State. The institution commenced academic activities in September 2021 with its first group of students and an initial academic structure covering three broad areas. The university identifies Distinguished Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila as its founder.

The university has since expanded its academic offerings beyond its original programmes. Its current programme listing includes disciplines in health sciences, medicine, engineering, computing, management, social sciences, law, sciences and several preliminary and professional programmes.

A notable milestone in the institution’s development was its first convocation ceremony in February 2025, when the university celebrated its pioneer graduates. The institution’s development also includes the expansion of its health-related and science-based programmes.

Location of Al-Istiqama University

Al-Istiqama University is located in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, along Maiduguri Road, Nigeria. The university’s official contact information identifies Sumaila, Kano State as its location and gives P.M.B. 7137, Sumaila, Kano State as its postal address.

Its location makes the institution accessible to students from Kano State and other parts of Northern Nigeria who are seeking private university education.

List of Programmes Offered by Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila

Al-Istiqama University’s official programme listing contains a broad range of undergraduate and other academic programmes. Applicants should always confirm that their preferred programme is available for the particular admission session before applying.

Arts, Social Sciences and Management Studies

• Accounting – B.Sc Accounting
• Taxation – B.Sc Taxation
• Arabic Studies – B.A Arabic Studies
• Criminology and Security Studies – B.Sc
• Business Administration – B.Sc
• Economics – B.Sc
• English – B.A English
• Entrepreneurship Studies – B.Sc
• International Relations – B.Sc
• Islamic Studies – B.A
• Mass Communication – B.Sc
• Peace and Conflict Resolution – B.Sc
• Public Administration – B.Sc
• Political Science – B.Sc
• Shari’ah – B.A
• Sociology – B.Sc

Basic Medical Sciences

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine – B.Sc
• Nutrition and Dietetics – B.Sc

Clinical Sciences

• Medicine and Surgery – MBBS

Engineering and Environmental Sciences

• Architecture – B.Tech
• Biomedical Engineering – B.Eng
• Building Technology – B.Tech
• Civil Engineering – B.Eng
• Computer Engineering – B.Eng
• Quantity Surveying – B.Tech

Health Sciences

• Audiology – B.Sc
• Community Health – B.Sc
• Dental Therapy – BDTh
• Environmental Health – B.Sc
• Medical Laboratory Science – BMLS
• Nursing Science – B.NSc
• Optometry – O.D.
• Physiotherapy – DPT
• Public Health – B.Sc
• Radiography – B.Rad

Law

• Common and Islamic Law – LL.B

Science and Computing

• Biology – B.Sc
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science – B.Sc
• Mathematics – B.Sc
• Software Engineering – B.Sc
• Forensic Science – B.Sc
• Chemistry – B.Sc
• Physics with Electronics – B.Sc

Preliminary, Diploma and Other Programmes

The university also lists programmes such as IJMB Arts and Sciences, remedial programmes, pre-degree programmes, diploma courses in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science and Management, Nursing Science, Public Health, Software Engineering and other areas. There are also professional certificate programmes in selected health and laboratory-related fields.

Admission Forms / Requirements

AUSU Postgraduate Admission 2026/2027

Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU), has opened applications for its full-time postgraduate programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session. The application window runs from Monday, 19 October, to Sunday, 15 November 2026, with a non-refundable application processing fee of ₦30,000.

Applicants must possess five ordinary-level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in no more than two sittings. Accepted qualifications include WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS and GCE. However, candidates applying for pure Arts disciplines are exempted from the Mathematics requirement. Holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) may apply for postgraduate diploma programmes, while applicants with relevant professional master’s degrees may be considered for M.Phil./Ph.D. admission. The university also accepts transfer students.

To apply, candidates should visit the AUSU School of Postgraduate Studies application portal, create an applicant account, pay the ₦30,000 processing fee and complete the online application form. Applicants are advised to provide accurate information and submit all required details before the deadline.

All applicants must also request that their previous institutions send their academic transcripts to the School of Postgraduate Studies, Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila. Transcripts can be sent to secretary.pg@ausumaila.edu.ng or spg@ausumaila.edu.ng. Interested candidates should complete their applications and ensure that their transcripts are forwarded before the closing date of 15 November 2026.

School Fees

The university’s official website describes its tuition and accommodation charges as affordable, but a comprehensive, current school-fee schedule for every programme and student category was not clearly available in the official information reviewed for this page.

For this reason, students should not rely on unofficial websites or social-media posts for Al-Istiqama University school fees. Fees can differ according to programme, level, accommodation and other applicable charges.

Prospective students should confirm the amount payable for tuition, acceptance, registration, accommodation and other charges directly through the university’s official channels before making payment.

Cut-Off Mark

The latest official undergraduate admission information located from Al-Istiqama University states that the minimum UTME score required for the 2025/2026 admission exercise was 150.

This should be understood as the minimum score stated for that particular admission exercise. It should not automatically be treated as the cut-off mark for a future academic session, especially where the university subsequently publishes new programme-specific requirements.

Candidates should also understand that meeting the minimum UTME score does not by itself guarantee admission. Programme requirements, available spaces, O’Level qualifications and the university’s screening/admission process also matter.

Hostel / Accommodation

Al-Istiqama University states that its campus facilities include hostel accommodation alongside lecture theatres, laboratories, a library, sports facilities and other student-support facilities.

Students who require accommodation should confirm the current hostel availability, charges, application procedure and applicable rules directly with the university, as accommodation arrangements may change from one academic session to another.

Notable Alumni

Al-Istiqama University is a relatively young institution, having commenced academic activities in 2021. Its first convocation was held in February 2025 to celebrate its pioneer graduates.

As the university’s alumni network continues to develop, a comprehensive list of widely recognised alumni was not verified from the university’s official sources reviewed for this page. It is therefore preferable to avoid publishing unverified names as notable alumni.

Official Website and Portal Links

Resource	Link
Official Website	Al-Istiqama University Official Website
University Login / Portal	Al-Istiqama University Login Portal
Online Admission Application	AUSU Admission Application Portal
Programme List	Al-Istiqama University Programme List
Official Admission Information	AUSU Admission Information

Contact Information

Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila
P.M.B. 7137, Sumaila, Kano State, Nigeria
Along Maiduguri Road, Sumaila LGA, Kano State

Official Website: ausumaila.edu.ng

The university’s official pages list info.ausu@ausumaila.edu.ng among its contact addresses. The university website also provides telephone contacts for enquiries and admission support.

Students and prospective applicants should use the university’s official website and admission channels for the latest information on applications, screening, fees and academic programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila a private university?
Yes. Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila is a private university located in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State. It was established in 2020 and commenced academic activities in 2021.

Where is Al-Istiqama University located?
The university is located in Sumaila LGA, Kano State, along Maiduguri Road.

What is the cut-off mark for Al-Istiqama University?
The latest official admission information reviewed states a minimum UTME score of 150 for the 2025/2026 admission exercise. Candidates should check the university’s latest admission notice for any new session-specific requirement.

Does Al-Istiqama University offer Medicine and Surgery?
Yes. The university’s official programme list includes MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) under the Faculty of Clinical Sciences.

Does Al-Istiqama University offer Nursing Science?
Yes. The university lists B.NSc Nursing under its Faculty of Health Sciences.

Does Al-Istiqama University offer Law?
Yes. The institution lists LL.B Common and Islamic Law (Combined) among its programmes.

What courses does Al-Istiqama University offer?
The university offers programmes in areas including Medicine, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Law, Islamic Studies and several other disciplines.

Does Al-Istiqama University offer IJMB?
Yes. The official programme list includes IJMB Arts and IJMB Sciences combinations.

How can I apply for admission to Al-Istiqama University?
Applicants should begin from the university’s official admission information and designated online application portal. The published 2025/2026 procedure involved account creation, payment of the application fee, completion of the application form, document upload and physical screening.

How much is Al-Istiqama University school fees?
The university does not clearly publish one universal tuition figure covering all programmes and student categories in the official information reviewed. Students should confirm the current amount directly with the university before payment.

Is Al-Istiqama University accredited?
The university’s official history states that it was established in 2020 and commenced academic activities in September 2021 after accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

When did Al-Istiqama University start academic activities?
The university commenced academic activities in September 2021.

Does Al-Istiqama University have hostel accommodation?
The university states that its campus facilities include hostel accommodation. Students should confirm current availability and charges directly with the institution.