Minaret University 1kirun Logo
Minaret University is a pioneering faith-based institution combining Islamic principles with modern education. It is commencing with two faculties: Sciences and Computing, as well as Management and Social Sciences.
The courses on offer are B.Sc. Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
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.
MUI Vision is to pursue moral and intellectual development for creativity, entrepreneurship, adaptability and survival of the university graduate. While its Mission is to become a world-class tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socioeconomic development regionally, nationally, and international.
The Motto of the international citadel of learning is seeking knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
Timelines
The journey toward Minaret University began in 2013 when Nigerian Jama’at proposed the idea of setting up an International University at the Annual Majlis Shoora (consultative meeting). The resolution was subsequently presented to the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) who gave his blessings and approval. Huzur then tasked the Nigerian Jama’at to initiate the planning and implementation of the development of the University and report back.
The proposal sailed through after constructive debates following the pioneering role of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community passion for qualitative education across the strata of the Nigerian educational system.
The British colonial government in 1906 made an appeal to the Muslim community of Lagos to establish a school for the introduction Islamic education along with secular education.
Over hundred years ago precisely, on the 4th September 1922, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat established the first Muslim Primary school, Talimul Islam Primary School in Elegbata Lagos Island, Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria.
Late Dr Henry Carr, Resident Colonial officer Lagos, did the inauguration of the school.
Daily Times newspaper reported ” I asserted that the credit to establish a mission school for the Muslims and their children, belonged to the diligent efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Lagos, Nigeria, as they were the first to make great sacrifice to lead other denominations of Muslim sects to effect the establishment of the Muslim school in Lagos.” (Cited page 165 – Centenary History of Ahmadiyya in Nigeria, 2016.)
More primary schools were opened in Lagos (Okomaiko, along Lagos Badagry expressway, Adekunle Bus Stop – Yaba Area after the descending Third Mainland Bridge)), and Ilaro under the name Fadl Omar Primary Schools.
Today, there are individual educationalists member of the Ahmadiyya Community who have established private schools under the name. Mahmud College Ijede is one of such schools
The Feeder Schools
Then, the seed of the University was sown with a methodical establishment of secondary schools, Missionary training college, Hafizul Quran School, Science College and Technical College across Nigeria.
Instructively, the famous Ahmadiyya secondary schools in Agege, Ojokoro, Ibadan, Oni, Ilaro, Ogbagi Akoko, Owo, Ago – Iwoye, Ajegunle Gbede, Onda, Umaisha, Minna, Gusau and Kano provided the needed feeders centers for the University now and years to come.
Some of the school were taken over by the Nigerian government and three located in Ibadan, Agege and Ojokoro were changed to ” Anwar -ul Islam College and Grammar schools”.
The Choice of Ikirun
By 31st March, 2017, the name Minaret International University was approved by the World leader of the Ahmadiyya Community, the Khalifatul -Masih V, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad, the name Minaret University Foundation was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, in Abuja, registration number 17 – 96577.
The committee set up for the Minaret University recommended Agbonbiti, Ile- Ife, Osun state for the permanent site. The cost of providing infrastructural facilities to the 500 acres of land was huge. Agbonbiti is now a satellite campus for the University farm settlement project.
Ikirun, a City with a railway route, a four-lane road from Osogbo, National power supply and 500 acres of land provided by the Ikirun community through the Akirun -in- Council was considered. The land was located beside the federal government College, Ikirun. it was also adjacent to a police post.
The Akirun – in- council under late Oba Abdul Rauf Olawale Adedeji the second, was very generous and magnanimous with the provision of the land. As the host community, the indigenes were friendly and accommodating. The architectural design was approved and formal application was sent to the National University Commission, NUC.
Professor Ishaq Oloyede was ecstatic and happy with the University project. Professor Omotayo, then if the Lagos state University, currently the Director General, National Institute for policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru was appointed as consultant. other eminent academics from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community joined to prepare a blue print for the University.
Efforts of Osun state Government
Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola accepted the offer of sighting the University in Ikirun. He was getting briefings from the Chief of Staff then Mr Oyetola. Payments were made for the land titles in line with government requirements. The estimates for the economic trees on the land were also paid to the Akirun – in – Council.
Governor Oyetola encouraged the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to turn the sod at the permanent site on March 9th, 2021. He also saw to the efforts to acquire a mini campus site at the Akirun Grammar school for a smooth take off. Honourable Jamiu Babatunde Olawunmi was the Special Adviser on Education with the Osun state government, he worked assiduously with other state government officials then to realise the initiative of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Former Governor of State of Osun, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, during the foundation-laying ceremony of Minaret University in Ikirun on March 9, 2021, while other dignitaries’ watches. Photo credit: Dateline.
Osun State government deployed professionals from the Ministry of education, Lands , Surveyor Generals office , Ministries of Justice, Works ( Highways) , Special Advisers to the Governor and Osun state Assets Management Authority ,OSAMA, to ensure the smooth take off of the Minaret University.
The following personalities render selfless efforts towards the achievements of this our Great University on Ikirun from the Osun State government.
The then Permanent Secretary Ministry of Physical Planning Alhaji Hassan Tayo. The Chairman in Charge Certificate of Occupancy, cofO. The Surveyor General Alhaji Akintola retired and his Team. The current Honourable Commissioner for Education Mr. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo, the Permanent Secretary Alhaji Jimoh, Mrs Anifat Toyin Badmus retired Deputy Director Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Justice officials, Alhaja Marufat A Bello (Permanent Secretary. Solicitor-General) of the state and her team. The Ministry of Works & Infrastructure staff are, Permanent Secretary Alhaji Engineer Bashir Idowu, Tunji Bello and the Director of Highway Alhaji Engineer Maruf Ojebode & his team.
In Osun Government House (The White House), Pa Olaniyi the Special Adviser to the Governor, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Governor, Mr Olutoba Aluko. The Osun State Asset Management Authority (OSAMA), Executive Secretary Barrister Musbaudeen Oyeshiku Adelu and his team.
March 3rd, 2025, was a remarkable date for the Minaret University Ikirun as President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the University along with 10 other universities, such as Isaac Blamai University of Aeronautic and Management, IBUAM), Lagos, and Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City among others.
April 30th ,2025, the operating license for the Minaret University Ikirun was received from the National Universities Commission, NUC, at an impressive ceremony in Abuja.
The approval by the Federal Government followed rigorous accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) which assessed the university across thirteen evaluation stages. This milestone places Minaret University among the few institutions receiving licences in 2025, highlighting its adherence to global educational standards.
There are 45 private universities in Nigeria owned by religious organisations and individuals, 39 by Christian organisations and individuals and six by Muslim organisations and individuals.
Minister of State for Education Professor Suweba , Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Nigeria and chancellor Minaret University, Ikirun, Alhaji Alatoye Azeez, Mister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa and an NUC Official
They are Fountain University, Osogbo (Nasrul’lahi-il Fathi Society, NASFAT); Summit University, Offa (Ansar-ud-Deen 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 Jama ‘at 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); Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State (Living Faith Church Worldwide); Ajayi Crowther University, 0yo (the Anglican Communion of Nigeria); and Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State.
Others are Bingham University, Abuja-Keffi Expressway (Evangelical Church Wining All, ECWA); Mountain Top University, Makogi-Oba, Lagos-Sagamu Expressway (Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries); Redeemer University, Osogbo (the Redeemed Christian Church of God); 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 Diocese of Enugu); St. Augustine University, Epe (The Catholic); Dominican University, Ibadan (Catholic); Spiritian University, Abia State (Catholic), Gregory University, Utua (Catholic); and Saint Paul’s University College (Anglican Communion, Eastern Nigeria).
The rest are Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Erin Ijesha, Osun State (Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide); Samuel Adegboyega University (The Apostolic Faith Church); Wesley University of Science and 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 Incumbent Governor of Osun State, His excellency, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke stepped up all administrative processes and will officially open the university on the 5th of February, 2026.
ICT Building @ Minaret University Ikirun
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