The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Noah Yusuf, has revealed that the student population at the institution has grown from 70 to 13,000 within two decades of its establishment.

Prof. Yusuf made this known during the 14th Convocation and 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Award Night held at the university’s Adeta Campus in Ilorin.

He stated that the university, which began academic activities in the 2005/2006 session with 70 students spread across three faculties, now boasts 13,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time, and distance learning programmes.

“Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, the first Islamic faith-based university in Nigeria, received its license on Jan. 7, 2005. Twenty years on, Al-Hikmah University has grown to become a renowned citadel of knowledge occupying an important status nationally and internationally.

The University has witnessed a great transformation in virtually all aspects,” the vice-chancellor said.

He highlighted the expansion of faculties from three to eight, including the Postgraduate School and College of Health Sciences.

The institution now offers 55 undergraduate programmes, all fully accredited by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

The vice-chancellor also noted the remarkable growth in postgraduate enrolment from less than 200 students in 2020 to over 2,000 in 2025, alongside significant infrastructural developments across its campuses in Adeta, Atere, and Igbaja.

“Infrastructure has expanded from a few structures at the Adeta campus to multiple facilities, including lecture rooms, laboratories, hostels, a Moot Court, and a sports arena. The university’s staffing profile has also grown from 50 to 1,675 personnel,” Yusuf said.

Prof. Yusuf commended the institution’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, for his vision and contributions despite not having formal education.

However, he appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the university in addressing its challenges, particularly inadequate funding, which affects critical needs.

He called for donations to construct hostels and faculty buildings, provide scholarships for indigent students, and fund research initiatives.

Notable dignitaries at the event included former Katsina State Governor and Chairman of TETFund, Alhaji Aminu Masari, JAMB Registrar Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, and former NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie.

The event’s highlight included the presentation of awards and the induction of past vice-chancellors into the university’s Hall of Fame.