Overview and History of Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

 
Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano was established in 2012 by the Kano State Government as Northwest University, Kano (NWU). The university was created to address the increasing demand for higher education in the region and to provide quality education to students in Kano and neighboring states. The university is owned and managed by the Kano State Government, ensuring accessible and quality education for students within and beyond the state.

The institution is also referred to as NWU and has undergone several name changes. Initially established as Northwest University, Kano, it was later renamed Yusuf Maitama Sule University in 2017 to honor the legacy of Maitama Sule, a renowned Kano politician and statesman of the 20th century. However, the university later reverted to its original name, Northwest University, Kano.

Guided by the motto "Education for Independence and Progress," the university emphasizes knowledge acquisition as a tool for self-sufficiency and societal development. As a government-owned institution, it has been affiliated with key academic bodies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The university's administration is overseen by Isyaku Adamu, while J. D. Amin serves as the chairman of the governing board. The current Chancellor of the university is His Royal Highness Eze, CON, and Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa is the Vice-Chancellor. The institution is structured into seven faculties, with a dedicated team of 500 academic staff and 2000 administrative personnel ensuring smooth operations.

The university has a student population of 9,496 undergraduate students, making it a moderately sized institution with a focus on both academic excellence and research. It operates in an urban setting, with two main campuses: the City Campus, situated in Kano, and the Main Campus, located along General Buhari Way, Kofar Ruwa, Kano.

Northwest University adopts brown, green, and red as its official colors, representing its identity and values. More details about the university, its programs, and admission processes can be accessed through its official website: www.yumsuk.edu.ng.

##Location and Campuses
YUMSUK operates from two major campuses in Kano:

1. City Campus (Kofar Nassarawa): This campus houses the administrative headquarters and some academic faculties.

2. Main Campus (Kundila): Located along the Gwarzo Road, this campus accommodates most faculties, research centers, and student hostels.

##Vision and Mission
The university's vision is to be a center of excellence in teaching, learning, and research, producing globally competitive graduates who contribute to national and international development.

Its mission includes:

Providing quality education and fostering innovation.

Engaging in cutting-edge research to solve societal problems.

Promoting ethical values and leadership in governance and industry.


##Academic Structure and Programs
YUMSUK offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties. The university has continuously expanded its academic offerings to meet the demands of modern education.

##Faculties and Departments
The university has the following faculties:

1. Faculty of Science:

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Physics

Mathematics and Computer Science


2. Faculty of Humanities:

History

Islamic Studies

English and Literary Studies


3. Faculty of Education:

Educational Foundations

Science and Technical Education


4. Faculty of Social and Management Sciences:

Economics

Business Administration

Political Science


5. Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences:

YUMSUK also has a School of Postgraduate Studies offering master’s and doctoral programs in selected disciplines.

##Vice-Chancellors
Since its establishment, the university has had several Vice-Chancellors (VCs) who have played significant roles in its development.

1. Prof. Dato' Yahaya Ibrahim Yusif (2012-2015):
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of YUMSUK, Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim Yusif, was instrumental in setting up the academic and administrative structures of the university. Under his leadership:

The university admitted its first set of students in 2013.

Key infrastructure was developed, including classrooms and faculty buildings.

YUMSUK gained recognition from the National Universities Commission (NUC).


2. Prof. Abdullahi Uba Adamu (2015-2019):
Prof. Abdullahi Uba Adamu, an experienced academic, took over in 2015 and made significant contributions, including:

Expanding the university’s faculties and academic programs.

Strengthening collaborations with national and international institutions.

Enhancing research and staff development programs.


3. Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa (2019-Present):
Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa has continued to build on the achievements of his predecessors. His administration focuses on:

Digital transformation of the university’s administrative and academic systems.

Establishing new research centers and improving funding for postgraduate education.

Expanding campus facilities, including student hostels and lecture halls.


##Accreditation and Recognition
YUMSUK is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring that all its programs meet national and international standards. The university is also a member of the Association of African Universities (AAU) and collaborates with institutions across the globe for academic exchange and research.

##Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
YUMSUK provides a vibrant academic and social environment for its students. Key aspects of student life include:

Student Organizations: Various student associations and clubs cater to academic, social, and professional interests.

Sports and Recreation: The university supports football, basketball, athletics, and other sports activities.

Cultural and Religious Activities: Given its location in Kano, YUMSUK respects and promotes cultural diversity while providing facilities for religious worship.


##Research and Innovation
The university encourages research through its various research centers and academic collaborations. Faculty members and students are actively involved in projects in science, technology, and social sciences. YUMSUK has also introduced initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation, helping students develop skills beyond the classroom.