By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Founder and Proprietor of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, says his decision to establish the Institution at Sumalia, headquarters of Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, was a deliberate endeavour to bridge the educational gap between rural and urban areas.
Senator Sumaila explained that the idea was also intended to curtail rural-to-urban migration of people in search of higher education and other opportunities.
Kawu Sumaila,who is the Senator representing Kano South in the National Assembly, stated this at the 2nd and 3rd Combined Convocation ceremony of the university held in Sumaila town on Saturday.
He explained that the trend had been straining urban infrastructure and people’s livelihoods, hence the idea of establishing Al-Istiqama University,the first rural university of International standard.
“By bringing a university of international standard directly to this rural area, we are reversing that trend, and we are proving that higher education, economic opportunities, and urban development abound, not just in rural communities, but right here in our local communities.
“We are empowering local youth, boosting the rural economy, and creating a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge is strong at home.
“This dream could not have been realized without the extraordinary leadership of our principal officers, as well as generousity, guidance, and dedication of selfless leaders, reliable elders, institutions and the government.
“We began as a mission to expand access to quality, value-binding higher education in our nation, and today it has matured into a vibrant institution of academic excellence and character development,” the lawmaker said.
He then commended the former Chairman of the university, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Jamiru Abdulkarim, noting that his leadership and personal guidance had tremendously contributed to the growth and development of the institution.
In his address at the occasion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed delight at the idea of establishing the university, saying that the decision aligned with his educational mission, hence his decision to tremendously support the growth of the institution.
Governor Yusuf disclosed that his government had paid for the continuation of studies of 85 medical and engineering students at the university.
He recalled that when he assumed office in 2023,education was in a near comatose, thus he declared a State of Emergency on the education sector in the state, adding,”today we are three years down the line celebrating our success in that direction.”
A total of 1,104 students graduated at the Convocation whom were conferred with various degrees which they earned during the 2023,2024 and 2025 academic sessions of the university.
Honorary doctorate degrees were also conferred on three distinguished Nigerians at the occasion namely, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Maishanu(A.Y.Shafa) and late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata whose degree was confe rred on him posthumously.