Everything You Need To Know About Northwest University, Kano (Updated 2025)

So, you're thinking about studying at Northwest University, Kano? Or maybe you're just curious about the place everyone calls “NWU” like it's some exclusive club. Either way, you’ve landed on the right blog. Today, we’re diving deep into what makes Northwest University, Kano special, what to expect when you get there, and all the important stuff that school brochures don’t always say. No fluff, just vibes and facts—because choosing a university is serious business!

A Brief Walk Down Memory Lane

Let’s start from the very beginning.

Northwest University, Kano—now officially known again as NWU after a brief renaming phase—was established in 2012 by the Kano State Government. It was part of a broader vision to expand educational opportunities in the northern part of Nigeria. Imagine being among the first set of students in a new university—you’ll have stories for days!

While some universities crawl before they walk, NWU hit the ground running with a strong academic structure. They started with just four faculties, but even from those early days, the plan was big. And by “big,” I mean a full-on 20-year development blueprint with goals to establish twelve faculties, over 70 departments, and hundreds of academic programmes. Ambitious? Yes. Unrealistic? Not even close.

Located right in the heart of Kano State, NWU now serves thousands of students and has grown into one of the most prominent state-owned universities in the region. It may not have the hundred-year-old legacy like some others, but trust me—what it lacks in age, it makes up for in drive, focus, and community impact.

Campus Life and Location Vibes

Now, let’s talk about where the magic happens.

NWU runs two campuses. First, there’s the City Campus, which is located in the hustle and bustle of Kofar Nassarawa in Kano. This one has that classic urban campus vibe—you know, students crossing roads with textbooks in one hand and suya in the other (just kidding… kind of).

Then there’s the Main Campus, located at Kofar Ruwa along Muhammadu Buhari Way. This campus offers a more relaxed setting, a little further away from the city center noise, perfect for those who want to focus, meditate on assignments, or just enjoy the northern breeze while pretending to read lecture notes.

Together, these two campuses serve thousands of undergraduates and postgraduates, and the facilities are growing year after year.

The Faculties and Courses You Can Study

If there’s one thing you won’t lack at NWU, it’s variety. You’ll find a solid range of programmes across the sciences, arts, social sciences, education, law, and business. Here’s a breakdown of the major faculties:

• Faculty of Arts and Humanities

• Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Social and Management Sciences

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of ICT

• School of General, Entrepreneurial, and Remedial Studies

Each faculty houses several departments offering a wide range of undergraduate programmes, and yes, many of them are fully accredited. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a physicist, a lawyer, an economist, a computer wizard, or the next Nobel Prize-winning historian, there’s a programme with your name on it.

Bonus: NWU has also rolled out postgraduate programmes, which means you can do your BSc, take a breather (or not), and return for your Masters or PhD. The academic ladder is fully available.

Admission: How to Get In Without Breaking Your Brain

Let’s face it—Nigerian university admissions can sometimes feel like a Netflix thriller series. But relax, NWU's admission process is as straightforward as it gets.

For UTME Candidates:

• You need at least five credits in relevant O-level subjects (WAEC/NECO/GCE), including English and Mathematics.

• You must sit for the UTME (JAMB) and meet the cut-off mark for your course.

• After JAMB, the university will invite you for the Post-UTME screening (yes, there’s a second test—welcome to Nigeria).

• If you cross all those hurdles, congratulations—you’re in!

For Direct Entry:

• You can apply with NCE, ND, IJMB, A-levels, or equivalent qualifications.

• You still need your O-levels too—don’t leave them behind.

• Ensure your previous results align with the department you’re aiming for.

Remember, the competition can be stiff, especially for popular courses like Law, Medicine (if/when introduced), Computer Science, and Business Administration. So come prepared!

Fees and Financial Planning: It’s Not That Deep

One of the reasons many students opt for NWU is the affordability. While federal universities tend to be cheaper, NWU holds its own by offering solid academic value without turning your bank account into a horror movie.

The exact figures vary depending on the course and year of study, but generally speaking:

• Courses in sciences and ICT cost slightly more than arts-based ones.

• There’s an acceptance fee once you gain admission.

• Other charges might include library fees, lab fees, ICT levies, etc.

Overall, the fees are moderate and reasonable by Nigerian university standards. No need to sell your father’s farm or call your uncle in Canada.

Also, NWU has structured part-time and distance learning programmes, which offer flexibility for working adults or those who prefer evening and weekend classes.

Facilities: What the Campus Offers (and What It’s Still Building)

Now let’s talk about infrastructure—because let’s be honest, you can’t focus in class if your lecture hall feels like an oven or your hostel has more mosquitoes than people.

NWU is still developing, but it has already made significant progress in terms of:

• Modern lecture theatres

• Science and ICT laboratories

• University library

• E-learning platforms

• Postgraduate school building

• Administrative blocks

• Student hostels and staff quarters

And guess what? There’s a strong focus on entrepreneurship, thanks to the School of General and Entrepreneurial Studies. That means you won’t just graduate with a degree—you’ll pick up real-life business skills too. Imagine learning how to write a business plan or start a small venture before you even collect your NYSC call-up letter.

That’s the kind of future-forward thinking NWU promotes.

Student Life: What It’s Like Being a NWU Student

NWU might not yet have a decades-long legacy like OAU or UI, but the student community is full of energy and innovation. Clubs, religious associations, academic societies, student union activities—it’s all there.

Kano itself is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. As a student, you’ll get to enjoy:

• Affordable food (rice and beans will never fail you)

• Easy transport (thanks to tricycles a.k.a Keke Napep)

• Bustling markets and malls for shopping

• Proximity to local industries for internships and job hunting

Of course, no Nigerian university is perfect. You’ll deal with the occasional ASUU strike, light outages, or registration wahala, but NWU’s student support system is gradually improving. There’s effort, and that matters.

The Leadership and Vision Behind NWU

The current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, is a seasoned academic and administrator. Under his leadership, the school has focused on:

• Expanding academic offerings

• Attracting qualified lecturers

• Improving research and publications

• Creating partnerships with local and international institutions

The long-term goal is for NWU to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria’s top universities in terms of innovation, employability, and academic excellence.

It’s no longer about just collecting certificates—it’s about creating graduates who can thrive in Nigeria and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Is Northwest University, Kano Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you’re looking for a university that:

• Offers a wide range of programmes

• Is affordable for the average Nigerian

• Values entrepreneurship and practical skills

• Has a campus within the heart of a historic Nigerian city

• Supports both full-time and part-time students

Then NWU should definitely be on your list.

Sure, it’s not without its challenges—no university is perfect—but with consistent development, passionate staff, and a vision to grow, Northwest University, Kano is a rising star in Nigeria’s education space.

So, whether you're a fresh secondary school graduate, a parent looking for the best school for your child, or someone considering postgraduate options, NWU is worth considering. And if you eventually become a student there, you just might be part of something big.