Al-Istiqama is the cheapest private university in Nigeria – Prof. Salisu Shehu

By Aisar Fagge

In its second segment of the students’ orientation lecture series held between 6th and 7th November 2021, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University Sumaila (AUSU), Prof. Salisu Shehu, stated that AUSU is the cheapest private institution where students can memorize the Holy Qur’an before their graduation.

Speaking about the name of the university, Prof. Salisu Shehu said: “Well, the message sent to parents and guardians from the name of the university is that, this is the university that stands for uprightness in all sense of the word; uprightness in character, behaviour and learning. What we aspire to achieve is that effective teaching and learning take place in our university.

We want to be sure that whoever comes to Al-Istiqama would be seriously groomed with the sound knowledge that is possibly only obtainable in our institution. Not only that, through our counselling and mentorship, serious students can memorize the Holy Qur’an before their graduation.”

From the name “Al-Istiqama”, some people think that the institution is all about Islamic studies and Arabic courses. Reacting to this, the VC has clarified that:

“Yes! This is a faith-based university, and that’s why it’s given the name “Al-Istiqama”. But that does not mean that learning is only going to be restricted to the religious sciences. All disciplines are going to be offered in this university. And, for now, we have about 15 different degree programmes. Islamic Studies is just one of the 15. In addition, there are social sciences, basic sciences and medical sciences. And we are going to open additional faculties as we keep moving, in sha Allah.”

There are complaints about students of private universities that they do not respect their teachers because they are proud of the huge money their parents spend on their school fees, and that has affected the quality of their learning process.

In his reaction to the above, Prof. Shehu explained that Al-Istiqama was different. He added:

“Al-Istiqama, being a faith-based institution, will not tolerate indiscipline, pomposity and any immoral character. We will not tolerate that situation where students are extorted. Although we need to get funds and resources that will sustain the university, parents and students should not be that source.

Our school fees are very, very affordable. Almost the lowest you can find around because it is not a profit-making venture. The proprietor did not intend to make a profit out of it. Rather, he intended to render service to humanity. So that kind of notion and that kind of mentality would not have a place here.”