KHAIRUN: What makes our university different from others – Vice Chancellor
In a recent interview with SolaceBase, Editor-in-Chief, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, the Vice Chancellor, of a fast-growing private university, Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University in Kano (KHAIRUN), Prof. Abdulrashid Garba discussed the university’s notable achievements and its distinguishing features compared to other private and public universities in Kano and Nigeria at large.
SolaceBase: We are eager to learn more about Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University. As one of the private universities in Nigeria, can you tell us what makes it stand out from others in the country?
Prof. Abdurashid Garba: Thank you very much for visiting Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University. I truly appreciate this opportunity to share more about our institution. This university was established through the vision and dedication of late Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu, who aimed to contribute significantly to educational development in Kano, Nigeria, and globally. His legacy in education spans from lower schools to this university, which received its license in 2022 from the National Universities Commission, (NUC).
Immediately after receiving the license, we established a Board of Trustees, a Governing Council, and a management team, ensuring that the necessary administrative structures were in place even before 2023.
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This allowed us to start academic activities promptly, with a fully functional Senate, which is crucial for any university’s academic operations.
SolaceBase: It’s clear that Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University has a strong foundation. Could you elaborate on the academic programs the university offers?
Prof. Abdurashid Garba: Certainly. We currently offer 16 academic programs across three faculties, all of which are science and technology-based. The Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences offers Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, and Radiography. The Faculty of Engineering provides courses in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechatronics Engineering. The Faculty of Science and Computing offers programs in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Cybersecurity, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, and more.
We are also in the process of establishing a Faculty of Law, with plans to start offering law programs by the end of this year. Additionally, we aim to introduce an MBBS program by 2025, laying the foundation through our existing Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences and the upcoming Departments of Anatomy and Physiology.
SolaceBase : That’s impressive. What would you say sets Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University apart from other private and public universities in Nigeria?
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Prof. Abdurashid Garba: There are three key aspects that differentiate our university. First, unlike most private universities that are profit-driven, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University is not focused on making a profit.
The sole financier of the university has made it clear that this institution is part of his contribution to the development of education in Nigeria, following in the footsteps of his father’s vision. This is evident in the generous waiver of ₦500,000 on school fees for every student, as well as a scholarship program that will sponsor about 500 students.
Second, our curriculum includes a unique 30% component that allows us to emphasize the values and principles that are important to us. This includes mandatory courses in Quranic recitation, moral education, and entrepreneurship. These are designed to ensure that our graduates not only excel academically but also possess strong moral values and entrepreneurial skills.
Lastly, unlike many private universities where proprietors have a significant influence over the management, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University operates with an independent Board of Trustees, Governing Council, and management team. This ensures that the university is run in the best interest of the students and the academic community, without external interference.
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SolaceBase : It’s refreshing to hear about a private university that is not profit-oriented. Can you tell us more about the university’s vision for the future?
Prof. Abdurashid Garba: Our vision is threefold. First, we aim to internationalize our academic offerings while respecting our cultural heritage, religious background, and national orientation. Second, we want to adopt global standards in higher education, ensuring that our operations are in line with world-class systems. Lastly, we are on a journey to become a world-class university. We are starting this journey now, from the very inception, which gives us an advantage over older institutions that began this process later in their development.
SolaceBase: What about the cost of education at your university? How affordable is it for students?
Prof. Abdurashid Garba: The highest fee we charge, after the waiver, is ₦1.2 million for engineering programs, while the lowest is ₦1 million for science and computing programs. Despite these affordable fees, we have ensured that our standards remain high. We have all the necessary laboratories for first-year students and are preparing for second-year requirements. Additionally, we have smart classrooms, a robust internet infrastructure, and well-equipped hostels that can accommodate over 500 students.
SolaceBase: How do you ensure that students have a well-rounded experience at the university, beyond academics?
Prof. AbdurashId Garba: We prioritize the welfare of our students by providing secured and comfortable hostels, a student centre with sports facilities, and indoor games. We also emphasize the importance of a disciplined learning environment. For example, we do not allow televisions in the hostel rooms to ensure that students focus on their studies and maintain moral standards. But they can access that in the student center.
SolaceBase: It’s evident that Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University is committed to providing quality education and a supportive environment for students. What about collaborations with other institutions? How does the university engage with other universities and organizations?
Prof. AbdurashId Garba: We have strong collaborations both nationally and internationally. For instance, Bayero University Kano (BUK) is our mentor, as assigned by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The university assist us with staff, logistics, and other resources. Internationally, we are forging partnerships with universities in Sudan and Morocco, focusing on staff and student exchanges, curriculum development, and research collaboration.
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Additionally, the NUC has granted us permission to establish the International Institute of Quranic Sciences (IIQS), which will focus on research and education in science and technology through the lens of the Holy Quran. The institute will also engage in activities such as establishing a Quranic museum and supporting Quranic recitation competitions.
SolaceBase: Thank you very much, Prof. Garba, for providing such comprehensive insights into Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University. It’s clear that the university is making significant strides in the academic landscape of Nigeria.
Prof. AbdurashId Garba: Thank you for your interest in our university and for giving me the opportunity to share our story. We are committed to achieving our goals and making a positive impact on education in Nigeria and beyond.
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