Kano State, located in the North-Western region of Nigeria, is one of the country’s major educational hubs. With a rich cultural heritage and a growing academic landscape, Kano is home to several universities offering diverse courses in arts, sciences, engineering, health, education, communication and more. This guide provides a comprehensive list of some of the universities in Kano, including federal, state, and private institutions.
Why Study in Kano State?
Kano is not only the commercial center of Northern Nigeria, but it also hosts some of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the region. With a large population, stable academic calendars, and relatively affordable cost of living, the state is an attractive destination for higher education.
Are you searching for a quality university in Northern Nigeria? Look no further than Kano State, a historic and vibrant region that’s rapidly becoming an academic powerhouse. Whether you’re a parent, student, or education enthusiast, this guide will help you discover all the universities in Kano — from prestigious public institutions to fast-growing private universities.
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- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Type: Federal University
Founded: 1975
Location: Kano City
Website: www.buk.edu.ng
Bayero University is the oldest and most prestigious university in Kano. It has earned a reputation for academic excellence across Nigeria and West Africa. BUK offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs in disciplines such as medicine, law, engineering, communication, agriculture, and Islamic studies.
BUK has produced some of Nigeria’s leading academics, journalists, and public officials.
- Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (Formerly KUST)
Type: State University
Founded: 2001
Location: Wudil, Kano
Website: www.kustwudil.edu.ng
This science-driven university is named after Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. It focuses on technology, agriculture, and natural sciences. If you’re passionate about innovation, sustainability, or engineering, ADUSTECH is the place to be.
- Northwest University
Type: State University
Founded: 2012
Location: Kano City (Main & City Campus)
Website: www.yumsuk.edu.ng
This university is ideal for students pursuing degrees in education, political science, international relations, and social sciences.
Northwest is known for its youthful energy, modern learning environment, and rising academic profile.
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- Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN)
Type: Private University
Founded: 2023
Location: Kano City
Website: www.khairun.edu.ng
Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN) in Kano is a faith-inspired private institution established in 2022 and officially commenced academic activities in 2023. Founded as a legacy project by the late Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu, the university operates with a non-profit vision, offering tuition waivers and scholarships to support students from less privileged backgrounds. With three faculties—Science & Computing, Engineering, and Allied Medical Sciences—KHAIRUN currently offers 16 undergraduate programmes and plans to expand into Law and Medicine by 2025.
KHAIRUN stands out for its emphasis on moral education, entrepreneurship, and Qur’anic recitation, which form 30% of its curriculum. The university maintains full administrative independence and is committed to high-quality academic delivery, supported by a formal mentorship with Bayero University Kano (BUK). It has also initiated collaborations with Elrazi Medical University and the Kano State Government to support clinical training for its medical students.
The university has invested heavily in infrastructure, including smart classrooms, modern laboratories, student centers, and dedicated worship spaces like the recently commissioned female mosque. Over 570 students have been matriculated so far, and KHAIRUN continues to gain recognition for its balanced approach to academic excellence, faith, and community impact in Northern Nigeria.
One of the newest private universities in Kano, KHAIRUN was established to blend Islamic values with modern education. It offers programs in Islamic finance, entrepreneurship, and computing — all taught in a contemporary setting.
- Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano
Type: Private University
Founded: 2021
Location: Kano City
Website: www.maaun.edu.ng
With American-style learning and world-class facilities, MAAUN is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after institutions in the region. It offers degree programs in medicine, law, business, and social sciences, with an international focus.
- Capital City University Kano (CCUK)
Type: Private University
Founded: 2021
Location: Kano City
Website: www.ccuk.edu.ng
CCUK is a modern university focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital education. If you’re looking for a future-ready institution that prepares students for real-world success, CCUK should be on your list.
- Skyline University Nigeria (SUN)
Type: Private University
Founded: 2018
Location: Kano City
Website: www.sun.edu.ng
Skyline is the first private university in Kano and Northern Nigeria. With strong international links, it offers programs in information technology, international relations, biology, chemistry, and business.
SUN promotes a global mindset and often attracts students from across Africa.
- Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil
Type: Federal (Degree-Awarding Academy)
Founded: Upgraded in 2012
Location: Wudil, Kano
Website: www.polac.edu.ng
POLAC is Nigeria’s elite training ground for future police officers and law enforcement professionals. It combines academic education with professional police training. Students graduate with degrees in law, criminology, psychology, and sociology, and are inducted directly into the Nigeria Police Force.
- Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano
Formerly known as the Federal University of Education, Kano, this institution was officially renamed the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano by President Bola Tinubu on March 10, 2025, in honor of the renowned statesman and diplomat Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule (1929–2017)
Founded in 1961 as Kano Men’s Training College and later evolving through phases as Kano Teachers College and Federal College of Education, Kano, this institution became a Federal University of Education in 2023–2024, marking its transition to full university status (fcekano.edu.ng).
- Baba Ahmed University, Kano State
Baba Ahmed University, established in 2022 and formally operational since 2023, is a private university founded by Senator Yusuf Datti Baba‑Ahmed. Located in Sharada Industrial Estate Phase 1, Kano State, the campus spreads across approximately 100 hectares. Though still under development, the university has operational lecture halls, a computer centre, and a library to support academic activities.
The university’s academic structure includes two main faculties—Science & Computing and Social & Management Sciences. Accredited undergraduate programs comprise B.Sc. degrees in Biochemistry, Computer Science, Software Engineering (under Science & Computing), and Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Entrepreneurship, and Sociology (under Social & Management Sciences).
- Iconic Open University – Kano Campus
Iconic Open University, a NUC‑licensed private open and distance‑learning institution headquartered in Sokoto, launched its Kano campus in mid-2025 along Gwarzo‑BUK Road near the NYSC State Secretariat (Vanguard News).
The move is part of the university’s strategic expansion to extend affordable, flexible higher education across underserved regions. The Kano campus offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes tailored to local needs and aligns academic offerings in technology, business administration, management, and allied health sciences with regional employment.
- Nonal Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) – Kano Study Centres
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s flagship open and distance-learning federal university offering over 50 programmes across faculties such as Science, Management Sciences, Health Sciences, Education, and Social Sciences.
In Kano State, NOUN operates multiple community study centres, including the main Kano Study Centre in Sauna‑Dakata and satellite centres in Gwarzo, Bichi, Kabo, Bagwai, Danbatta, Tofa, Kunchi, Makoda, Shanono and others.
These centres provide flexible access to learning materials, occasional in‑person tutorials, exams, and student support services—enabling working adults, remote learners, and students outside traditional university settings to pursue accredited degrees and diplomas with ease.