Minaret University is a pioneering faith-based institution that integrates Islamic principles with modern education. It currently offers two faculties: Sciences and Computing, and Management and Social Sciences.
Courses available include B.Sc. Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
The university’s philosophy combines moral discipline, practical entrepreneurship training, research excellence, and commitment to community service, aiming to produce well-rounded graduates who are ethical leaders, job creators and global citizens.
Vision & Mission
The university’s vision is to foster moral and intellectual development that enhances creativity, entrepreneurship, adaptability, and resilience among graduates. Its mission is to become a world-class tertiary institution contributing to human resource development for sustainable socio-economic growth regionally, nationally and internationally.
Motto: “Seeking Knowledge for the Benefit of Humanity.”
Timeline of Establishment
2016 – Conceptualisation:
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.
Historical Roots:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has a rich history of educational initiatives in Nigeria. In 1922, they established Talimul Islam Primary School, Lagos Island, inaugurated by Dr Henry Carr, Resident Colonial Officer, Lagos. The Daily Times recognised the community’s pioneering role in Muslim education in Nigeria. Over the decades, more schools were established, including Fadl Omar Primary Schools and Mahmud College, Ijede, laying the foundation for higher education initiatives.
Feeder Schools:
The establishment of secondary schools, missionary training colleges, Hafizul Quran School, science colleges, and technical colleges across Nigeria created a network of feeder institutions for the university. Notable Ahmadiyya secondary schools in Agege, Ojokoro, Ibadan, Oni, Ilaro, and other locations provided a strong academic pipeline.
Choice of Ikirun
On 31 March 2017, the name Minaret International University was approved by the World Leader of the Ahmadiyya Community, Khalifatul-Masih V, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad. The university foundation was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Abuja, registration number 17-96577.
After evaluating several locations, Ikirun in Osun State was chosen due to its strategic location, four-lane road access, railway connectivity, reliable power supply, and 500 acres of land generously provided by the community. The site is adjacent to the Federal Government College and a police post, ensuring security and accessibility.
Government Support:
Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and later Governor Adegboyega Oyetola facilitated land acquisition and administrative processes. The Akirun-in-Council, under the late Oba Abdul Rauf Olawale Adedeji II, supported the initiative generously. Academic consultants, including Professor Ishaq Oloyede and Professor Omotayo (then at Lagos State University, now DG of NIPSS), helped design the university blueprint.
Federal Approval & Accreditation
On 3 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of Minaret University, Ikirun, along with ten other universities. The university received its operating licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 30 April 2025 after successfully completing rigorous accreditation across thirteen evaluation stages, placing it among the few institutions licensed in 2025.
Private Universities in Nigeria
Minaret University is one of six Muslim-owned private universities in Nigeria, joining institutions such as Fountain University, Summit University, Al-Hikman University, Al-Qalam University, and Crescent University. In total, Nigeria hosts 45 private universities, with 39 owned by Christian organisations and six by Muslim organisations.
Upcoming Opening
The current Governor of Osun State, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has completed all administrative processes. The university is officially scheduled to open on 5 February 2026, marking a milestone in Nigerian faith-based tertiary education.