By: AbdulHafeez Oyewole
Al-Hikmah University, Nigeria's first Islamic faith-based university, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a grand dinner and gala night held at the University Auditorium on Monday, the 6th of January, 2025.
The event marked two decades of academic excellence, growth, and transformation since its establishment on January 7, 2005.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf, delivered a heartfelt address, welcoming distinguished guests, including the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alh. Chief (Dr.) AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, and other dignitaries such as the Chancellor, Alh. Dr. Sayyu Dantata ably represented; Pro-Chancellor, Alhaja Sekinat O. Yusuf; and the Chairman, Board of Trustees, TETFund, Rt. Hon. Amina Bello Masari. Prominent academic leaders and alumni also graced the occasion.
Reflecting on the University's history, Prof. Yusuf highlighted its humble beginnings. "On January 7, 2005, Al-Hikmah obtained its operational license with just 70 students enrolled across three faculties. Today, it boasts over 13,000 students and offers 55 undergraduate and numerous postgraduate programs, all fully accredited. The University has grown to eight faculties, including Agriculture, Computing, and Law, and operates across three campuses in Adeta, Atere, and Igbaja.
Infrastructure and staffing have also expanded significantly, with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, hostels, and specialized facilities such as a Moot Court. The workforce has grown from 50 staff members to 1,675, emphasizing the University's commitment to excellence."
Despite its successes, Prof. Yusuf outlined pressing challenges, particularly inadequate funding.
"The most pressing challenge of the University is adequate funding. We have received no support from Federal and state governments. The University needs support to put modern structures and facilities in place."
He therefore appealed to donors for support in constructing hostels, faculty buildings, and classrooms to be named after benefactors. He also requested scholarships for indigent students and research funding for academic staff.
The Vice Chancellor concluded with prayers for continued growth and blessings for the University, its founder, and Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Alhaja Sekinat O. Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and commended the Founder, Alh. Chief (Dr.) AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, for his unwavering dedication to the institution. She emphasized the reward inherent in each graduate's success and prayed for continued blessings.
The gala night featured showcasing of anniversary documentary, and the unveiling of the 20th Anniversary magazine, led by Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, ex-Speaker of House of Representatives and former Governor of Katsina State.
Attendees were also treated to a musical interlude by Alhaji Sulaiman Ajobiewe, celebrating the University's founder.
Awards were presented in various categories, including Hall of Fame, Outstanding Staff, Special Recognition, Alumni Achievements, Posthumous Honors, and winners of debate, Qur'an, and football competitions.
The night closed with remarks from awardees, good will messages, vote of thanks and closing prayer.
As Al-Hikmah University celebrates its 20th year, it remains steadfast in its mission to produce morally upright and globally competitive graduates, living up to its motto: “Learning for Wisdom and Morality.
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