Minaret University Gets Presidential Nod
. Restates Commitment To Education That Nurture Mind, Soul
By Qasim Akinreti
With a stroke of pen and collective approval, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, federal republic of Nigeria approved the commencement of the academic session for Minaret University, Ikirun, among the new private universities for Nigeria. The Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, glad in suit along with, Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi, Information and National Orientation Minister, Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, in flowing Babariga, broke the news at the State House Presidential Villa, Abuja on March 3rd, 2025, for eleven additional private universities, after the Federal Executive Council meeting FEC.
The universities are: New City University, Ayetoro Ogun State, University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, Eranova University, Mabushi, Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun state, Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State and Southern Atlantic University Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Others include, Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State, Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State, Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos, Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State.
Minaret University, Ikirun, was promoted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria with the approval and blessings of the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, marking a historic achievement for faith-based higher education in Nigeria.
It was a big sigh of relief for the entire Muslim community and the Ahmadiyya Muslim jamaat of Nigeria in general. From 2016, the Ilaro- Yewa, Agbonbiti- Ile -Ife and Ikirun communities pressurised the Ahmadiyya Muslim of Nigeria to site the higher institution in their domains. Two traditional rulers, The Agbonbiti and the Akirun were in London different times to meet the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to locate the university in their area.
Both the Agbonbiti and Ikirun communities provided 500 acres of lands. Agbonbiti is located in a remote part of Ile – Ife, where access road and national power grid were a challenge. Ikirun was more favoured due to accessibility and infrastructural advantages (Osogbo -Ikirun Expressway and the railway line corridor). Finally, Agbonbiti was designated as a satellite campus for agricultural and farm settlement projects.
The late Akirun of Ikirun, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul Rauf Olawale Adedeji II, played a vital role in securing government support for the initiative, during the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,then Governor of Osun state. All necessary financial obligations were fulfilled for the land allocation for the permanent site beside Federal Government College, Ikirun.
A Vision Rooted in History
The journey toward Minaret University began in 2016 when the Ibadan circuit of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria proposed the idea at the annual Shoora (Consultative Meeting). The resolution was subsequently presented by the then Amir ( Head) Professor Mashuud Adenrele Fasola , ( who retired from the Department of Economics, University of Lagos), to the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, during a special meeting at the UK Jalsa Salana, (Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, annual Conference).
A Legacy of Educational Excellence
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, AMJN, has a long-standing tradition of pioneering education in Nigeria, dating back to the establishment of the first Muslim primary school, Talimul Islam, in Lagos in 1922. Over the decades, the community has expanded its educational footprint with numerous secondary schools, missionary training colleges, technical college and Quranic memorization institutions,in Ondo, Kano, Nasarawa, Oyo, Osun, Lagos and Ogun States. Most of the secondary schools were donated to various state governments and few remains with the Ahmadiyya establishment under the “Nusran Jehan- Leap Forward Scheme for Africa ‘’.
It has been a steady growth from primary, secondary, technical, missionary training and Quran memorisation centres to a university. These were the trajectory of commitment to faith based educational development in Benin Republic, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso among others. Establishments of hospitals in Nigeria took same pattern, primary health care center, Clinics to a full fledge hospitals in Yeosa Village, Oyo North, (Oyo State), Apapa, (Lagos state) Bukuru, Jos, (Plateau state) New Bussa (Niger State), Kano (Kano state) and Ojokoro, (Lagos State).
The establishment of Minaret University, Ikirun , Osun State, Nigeria,represents the culmination of this rich legacy, positioning Nigeria as a hub for faith-based higher learning. Remarkably, this is the first University to be established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community globally. Professor Abdul Rahman Abdullah, of Babcock University has been appointed the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University.
There are 45 private faith-based universities in Nigeria, owned by religious organisations and individuals. 39 by the Christian faiths and 6 by Muslim organisations and individuals. They are : Fountain University, Osogbo (Nasrul’lahi-il Fathi Society,NASFAT), Summit University Offa,( Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria) Al- Hikman University(Abdul Raheem Oladimeji, AROIF, Ilorin, Al – Qalam University ( Katsina Islamic Foundation, Katsina, Crescent University( Islamic Mission for Africa-IMA) Abeokuta, Minaret University Ikirun( Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria ) , Bowen University ( Nigerian Baptist Convention), Iwo , Babcock University, Ilishan Remo- Ogun state, ( Seventh Day Adventist) Anchor University( Deeper Christian Life Ministry,) Ayobo Lagos, Landmark University, Omu Aran,(Living Faith Church Worldwide), Convenant University, Ota Ogun State (Living Faith Church Worlwide) Ajayi Crowther University,0yo (The Anglican Communion of Nigeria), Crawford University, Igbesa Ogun state . Bingham University, Abuja Keffi Expressway,(Evangelical Churches Wining All, ECWA, Mountain Top University, Makogi – Oba , Lagos Sagamu Expressway, ( Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries) Redeemer University, Osogbo, ( Redeem Church) Covenant University Benson Idahosa University, Benin, (Church of God Mission) , Caritas University, Abuja( The Catholic Mission), Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State ( The Catholic Mission)Pan African University, Lagos -Epe Expressway, ( Opus Dei- Catholic) , Bishop Godfrey Okoye University( Catholic Dioceses of Enugu),St Augustine University, Epe,( The Catholic), Dominican University, Ibadan ( Catholic) Spiritian University, Nnewi, Abia ( Catholic), Gregory University, Utua( Catholic),Saint Paul’s University College, ( Anglican Communion Eastern Nigeria)
Others are , Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Erin Ijesha, Osun state( Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide)Samuel Adegboyega University, (The Apostolic Faith Church), Wesley University of Science & Technology, ( Methodist Church of Nigeria), Tansion University- (Reverend Msgn John Bosco Akam), Salem University ( Fountain Faith Church), Obong University( Church of Christ Nigeria), University of Mkar( Church of Christ in Sudan among the Tivs,NKST), Macpherson University, ( Four Square Church), Kings University , Ode -Omu,( Kings International Christian Centre) , Evangel University ( Assemblies of God Church), Precious Corner Stone University,( Sword of The Spirit Ministries), Hezekiah University,( Living Christ Mission), Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia , ( Seventh Day Adventist) and Rhema University , Aba ( Living Word Ministries International Covenant Union)
The analysis shows that the Catholic Mission had the highest number of 9 universities, followed by the Living faith Church 2, The Apostolic faith 2, Seventh Day Adventist 2, and other denominations one apiece.
Foundation and Government Endorsement
Three executive governors of Osun state have been instrumental to the take-off of the Minaret University, Ikirun. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Interior. Aregbesola ensures all documentations for land acquisition were done. Adegboyega Oyetola, now minister of Marine and Blue Economy, incidentally, Oyetola was then the Chief of Staff to Aregbesola, allocated Akinorun Grammar School, Ikirun, as a temporary take-off site, enabling the university to commence operations swiftly. The Ikirun Community were equally very supporting towards the realisation of the educational project. His Excellency, Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, step up all administrative processes and would now officially opened the university soon.
Specifically, on March 9, 2021, the foundation-laying ceremony of Minaret University was conducted in Ikirun, drawing attendees from across Nigeria and beyond. The event was graced by the then-Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, who commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria , for its contribution to education and moral development in the country.
A University with a Unique Model
Minaret University is a pioneering faith-based institution combining Islamic principles with modern education. It is set to commence with three faculties: Humanities, Sciences, and Education, with future expansions planned. Its philosophy integrates moral discipline, practical entrepreneurship training, research excellence, and a commitment to community service. The institution aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are job creators, ethical leaders, and global citizens.
The approval by the Federal Executive Council follows rigorous accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which assessed the university across thirteen evaluation stages. This milestone places Minaret University among the select few institutions receiving licenses in 2025, highlighting its adherence to global educational standards.
Appreciation
Stakeholders, including the Osun State Government, the National Universities Commission, the traditional leadership of Ikirun, opinion leaders, Ikirun Muslim Community, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide, were unwaveringin their support, towards making this vision a reality. Their commitment, collaboration, and contributions have been instrumental in bringing Minaret University, Ikirun , to fruition.
The House of Representatives member representing Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency, Rep. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji, congratulated the management of Minaret University, Ikirun, as well as the sons and daughters of Ikirun on the newly approved institution
Representative Adetunji, described the approval of Minaret university Ikirun as a great feat which will create more job opportunities for unemployed graduates.
“In every society or nation, quality education is one of the major factors and key elements of growth and stability. We are excited by this great achievement. Establishing a private university here in Ikirun is a good step in the right direction to build a sane and responsible society. Private Institution like this will also provide more job opportunities for our unemployed graduates,” the lawmaker stated.
The member of the House Appropriation Committee, who commended the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU) and other key stakeholders for their unwavering efforts and sacrifices in bringing the vision to reality, also lauded President Bola Tinubu for the approval saying it shows his commitment to expanding access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
In capping this appreciation, the leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, led by Amir Alhaji Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, expressed profound gratitude to all “with this official approval, Minaret University, Ikirun, is set to open its doors to students from Nigeria and beyond, offering a unique blend of religious and secular education that nurtures both the mind and the soul” , said in a press statement.
