The Founder of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU), Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, has visited Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), stressing that his investment in education is driven by a commitment to serving society rather than making a profit.
Sumaila made the remarks on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a private visit to NWUS, where he toured some of the university’s facilities and held discussions with the institution’s management.
Reflecting on the journey of AUSU, the founder said establishing and sustaining a private university had not been easy, but the institution had remained focused on maintaining academic standards and credibility six years after its establishment.
“Although it has not been easy, with the six years of our existence and over 2,000 students, we want to maintain standards and credibility. AUSU is simply service to the people because we must educate, and not for money,” Sumaila said.
He explained that if the motivation had been purely commercial, he would have invested in businesses with quicker financial returns, rather than education, which requires long-term commitment and substantial resources.
“If it were for money, we would have invested in a hospitality business. However, we chose to invest in education where more than one-fifth of the indigent students are on scholarship,” he said.
Sumaila also expressed satisfaction with the growing diversity of AUSU’s student population, noting that the university was attracting students from different parts of Nigeria, including the South.
“I am happy to say that AUSU is attracting students from the South, from where we presently have over 200 students. Despite the geographic divide, these students are happy and enjoying the atmosphere,” he added.
Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila commended the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Northwest University, Sokoto, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for his vision and commitment to expanding access to quality higher education, describing the establishment and development of the university as a significant investment in the future of young Nigerians.
He noted that the growth recorded by the institution within a relatively short period demonstrated the importance of sustained leadership, dedication and investment in education, particularly in providing opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to access university education.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Sokoto, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, expressed delight over the visit, describing it as an honour for the university to receive the AUSU founder during his private visit to Sokoto.
Bunza said the visit was particularly significant because it provided an opportunity for two institutions committed to expanding access to quality higher education to interact and share experiences.
He said Northwest University, despite being established only four years ago, had recorded significant transformation through the commitment of its Founder, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
“Although Northwest University is just four years old, the commitment of our founder, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has continued to drive the remarkable transformation we are witnessing today,” Bunza said.
According to Prof. Bunza, Senator Wamakko has maintained sustained commitment to the growth of Northwest University, adding, “his vision, personal support and dedication have remained central to the institution’s rapid development.”
He said Wamakko’s investment in infrastructure, academic growth and strategic partnerships continued to create a strong foundation for the university’s future.
The Vice Chancellor added that the university had continued to expand its academic and institutional partnerships, while attracting interest from international partners as part of its drive to build an institution with strong global relevance.
“We are deliberate about building an institution that can compete through quality, partnerships and innovation. The growing interest from both local and global partners reflects the confidence being placed in Northwest University, Sokoto, and we will continue to strengthen that confidence,” he said.
During the visit, Bunza took Senator Sumaila on a tour of the university’s Senate Building before proceeding to the Faculty of Law, located in Wamakko town.
The visit provided an opportunity for the two university communities to exchange ideas on higher education, institutional development and the broader role of universities in widening access to knowledge and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
