As the curtains fall on his tenure, outgoing Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Noah Yusuf has reflected on the milestones and challenges that marked his leadership—highlighting a key regret: the inability to complete the establishment of a university-owned printing press.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend in his office, Prof. Yusuf revealed that the university had already invested over ₦7 million into the printing press initiative, but unexpected challenges prevented its completion.
“We made significant progress and were deeply committed to setting up a printing press for the university,” he said. “Unfortunately, some unforeseen circumstances stalled the effort.”
According to a detailed report by Educa.ng, while the printing press remains a missed target, Prof. Yusuf’s three-year tenure brought remarkable transformation to Al-Hikmah University. Appointed in July 2020, Yusuf stepped into leadership at what he described as a time when the university was “virtually at a standstill.”
Under his watch, the university expanded from 45 to a fully accredited suite of academic programmes. Notably, in the first three months of his administration, 21 out of 23 programmes passed NUC accreditation. Within two years, the remaining two gained full accreditation.
He also introduced inaugural lectures, initiated annual academic reports, and laid the foundation for international secondary schools within the university framework.
Prof. Yusuf highlighted the infrastructural transformation of Al-Hikmah’s campuses, including fencing all three sites—Igbaja, Adeta, and Atere—which were previously open and unprotected. He also developed four farmhouses on the Igbaja campus, launched a gym and recreational centre in Adeta, and secured donations to build hostels in Atere from former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari.
Beyond physical structures, his administration promoted staff welfare and academic excellence. Over 40% of staff were granted loans and sponsorships for both local and international conferences—efforts he said improved morale and enriched academic delivery.
The university’s current standing reflects these strides: Al-Hikmah is now rated the top private university in Kwara State and ranks third nationwide among private universities.
Prof. Yusuf concluded by reaffirming his vision of Al-Hikmah as a citadel of faith-driven scholarship.
