August 25, 2025 — History was made on Sunday as Tazkiyah University, the first-ever female-only university in Sub-Saharan Africa, officially commenced operations with an inaugural intake of 500 students.
The landmark institution, located in Nigeria, received formal approval from the Federal Government earlier this month, marking a new chapter in the nation’s higher education landscape.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Muslim News, the university’s founder, Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, said the establishment of Tazkiyah University reflects Islam’s strong commitment to women’s education and empowerment. He described the initiative as both a response to societal needs and a step towards bridging the gender gap in academic opportunities.
According to him, the university is designed to provide an enabling environment for women to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially without barriers. He noted that the vision is to nurture female leaders equipped with knowledge and values that can transform their communities and the world.
Education stakeholders have lauded the development as a milestone for Nigeria and the continent, expressing optimism that the institution will serve as a model for other countries in promoting inclusive and gender-focused education.