Kano State, one of the most populous and historically significant states in Nigeria, is also a leading hub of education in the northern region. The state is home to several universities, federal, state, and private that cater to the diverse academic and professional aspirations of thousands of students across the country.
If you are considering pursuing higher education in Kano State, this guide provides a comprehensive list of all the universities located in the state, along with a brief overview of what makes them unique.
Federal Universities in Kano State
1. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
BUK is the first and largest university in Kano State. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. Known for its strong academic reputation, BUK is one of the most competitive universities in northern Nigeria.
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Established: 1977
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Location: Kano City
2. Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil
POLAC combines academic learning with law enforcement training. Students graduate with university degrees alongside police training, making it a unique institution in Nigeria.
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Established: 2013 (upgraded to a degree-awarding institution)
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Location: Wudil, Kano State
State Universities in Kano State
1. Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil
KUST is Kano State’s premier state-owned university, with a strong focus on science, engineering, agriculture, and technology programs.
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Established: 2001
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Location: Wudil, Kano State
2. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK)
Formerly Known as Northwest University, Kano, YUMSUK is dedicated to providing affordable quality education, especially in Arts, Social Sciences, and Management programs.
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Established: 2012
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Location: Kano City
Private Universities in Kano State
1. Skyline University Nigeria
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Skyline University is the first private university in Kano State. It offers programs in Business, Computing, Social Sciences, and Science & Technology, with a focus on global standards and innovation.
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Established: 2018
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Location: Kano City
2. Capital City University, Kano
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A fast-growing private institution that offers programs in medical sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
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Established: 2021
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Location: Kano City
3. Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano
One of the newest universities in Kano, it provides courses in sciences, arts, and social sciences, aiming to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
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Established: 2022
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Location: Kano City
Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Kano State
1. How many universities are in Kano State?
Kano State has a total of seven universities:
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Federal: Bayero University Kano (BUK), Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC)
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State: Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK)
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Private: Skyline University Nigeria, Capital City University Kano, Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University Kano.
2. What is the oldest university in Kano State?
The oldest university in Kano State is Bayero University Kano (BUK), established in 1977. It started as Ahmadu Bello College in 1960 before becoming a full-fledged university.
3. Which university in Kano State is the best?
Bayero University Kano (BUK) is widely regarded as the best and most competitive university in Kano, based on academic reputation, facilities, and research output. However, newer institutions like Skyline University are also making an impact, especially in private education.
4. What is the cut-off mark for universities in Kano State?
The cut-off mark varies by university and course:
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BUK: 180 – 220 depending on the program
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KUST: 160 and above
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YUMSUK: 160 and above
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Private universities like Skyline, Capital City University, and Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University usually set cut-off marks around 150–160.
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POLAC has its own special selection process which includes both academic and physical screening.
5. Do universities in Kano State offer Medicine and Surgery?
Yes. Bayero University Kano (BUK) offers Medicine and Surgery, as well as other health-related programs such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medical Laboratory Science.
6. What are the school fees like in Kano universities?
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Federal universities (BUK, POLAC): ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 per session (depending on the course).
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State universities (KUST, YUMSUK): ₦40,000 – ₦80,000 per session.
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Private universities (Skyline, Capital City, Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu): ₦400,000 – ₦1,200,000 per session.
7. Are there opportunities for postgraduate studies in Kano universities?
Yes. Bayero University Kano (BUK) has one of the largest postgraduate schools in northern Nigeria, offering Masters, PhD, and professional programs. Some private universities like Skyline are also expanding into postgraduate studies.
Final Thoughts
Kano State offers a rich mix of higher education institutions, from long-established universities like Bayero University to newly founded private institutions such as Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University.
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