To acquire university education is the dream of every young Nigerian. Millions of Nigerian students seek for admission in to the Universities in Nigeria annually, according to Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, body saddled with the responsibility of conducting entrance exam and placement of admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The government owned universities lack the capacity to absorb these huge numbers coupled with quality of training offered by these government owned-universities. These necessitated the licensing of private individuals, organizations to establish private universities. Religious organizations are part of the leading organizations that have established universities in Nigeria. In fact, religious bodies are the pioneers of Western education in Nigeria.
According to information released by National University Commission in October 2023, there are now 270 universities in Nigeria, out of which 148 are privately owned, representing 55 percent of universities in the country.
Of the 148 private universities 5 are owned by Islamic organizations in the country.
Muslim Universities in Nigeria
There universities are:
- Al-Qalam University
- Al-Hikamah University
- Crescent University
- Fountain University
- Summit University
Al-Hikmah University
Date of Establishment: 2005
Location: Ilorin Kwara State
Al-Hikamah University was licensed and established on January 7th, 2005 (License No. 010). The university is located in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state. The University was founded by Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation (AROUF)
Al-Qalam University
Date of Establishment: 2005
Location: Dutsinma Road, Katsina State
Al-Qalam University is the first private established Islamic organization on Nigeria
Crescent University
Date of Establishment: 2005
Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State
Crescent University, which was granted license by the Federal Government I. 2005 was founded by Justice Bola Ajibola under the umbrella of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA).
Fountain University
Date of Establishment: May 17, 2007
Location: Oke Osun Osogbo, Osun State
Granted a license to operate as a Private University Fountain University was founded by Nasrul-Lahi-Il-Fatih Society (NASFAT).
Summit University
Date of Establishment: April 1, 2019
Location: Kwara State
Founded in 2019, Summit University is the youngest Islamic university in Nigeria.
Summit University was founded by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN). The university offers quality tertiary education with an Islamic faith-based approach