By Mohammed Bello Doka
In just two years of existence, Rayhaan University, Birnin Kebbi, has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in the educational and socioeconomic landscape of Kebbi State. Founded by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the university stands as a bold statement of commitment to quality education, social inclusion, and community development.
The fact is not in doubt that Rayhaan University represents a state-of-the-art institution, both in structure and staffing. With world-class facilities, modern lecture halls, digital laboratories, and an academic staff composed of some of the best minds across Nigeria, the university’s standard can favorably compete with what obtains in Europe, Asia, and other developed continents.
At a time when many elites are sending their children to faraway universities abroad — from London to Dubai and Kuala Lumpur — Rayhaan University is bringing quality education to the doorsteps of the less privileged. It has created an affordable pathway for brilliant youths from Kebbi and neighboring states to acquire world-class education without the financial burden of foreign exchange, air tickets, accommodation, and other incidental costs associated with overseas study.
Bridging The Educational Divide
For the average Kebbi family, the difference in educational cost between studying at Rayhaan University and abroad is profound. A student studying in Dubai, for instance, spends an estimated ₦10–15 million annually, covering tuition, accommodation, transportation, and feeding. In contrast, a Rayhaan University student of Kebbi origin pays a fraction of that — roughly ₦700,000–₦1 million per session depending on the course.
That cost gap represents millions of naira in annual savings for parents, and more importantly, equal access to quality education for children of the poor and average-income earners. The vision behind this initiative is simple yet powerful — to democratize education and ensure that no child’s dream is cut short due to financial limitations.
Despite its still early stage of development, Rayhaan University is already vastly more affordable than many elite primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. For example, Charterhouse Lagos, which offers world-class amenities and a British curriculum, charges around ₦16.1 million per year for Years 1-2 (primary), and over ₦21 million for secondary levels. By contrast, a Kebbi student at Rayhaan University in a comparable academic discipline pays just over ₦1 million per session (tuition + ancillary), even with hostel accommodation, making Rayhaan an exceedingly cost-efficient option for quality tertiary education.
Even among “premium” international secondary schools: Grange School, Lagos charges between ₦4.5 million and ₦6.5 million per session (day or boarding), while institutions like the British International School, Lagos charge roughly ₦4.48 million annually. These figures still far outstrip what Rayhaan charges, which means that for many Nigerian parents, the cost of a full year’s tertiary education at Rayhaan might be close to—or in some cases even less than—their child’s private secondary school fees elsewhere.
Job Creation And Economic Revitalization
Beyond the lecture halls, the university has become a catalyst for job creation and local economic growth. Although barely two years old, Rayhaan University has already employed a significant number of academic and non-academic staff — including lecturers, administrators, security personnel, drivers, cleaners, ICT technicians, and maintenance officers — all contributing to the socioeconomic wellbeing of the region.
Indirectly, the institution has also created a ripple effect of economic opportunities. Local food vendors, transportation operators, tailors, hostel managers, cyber café operators, and artisans now earn a living from providing services to the growing student and staff population. The once-quiet host community around the university is steadily transforming into a vibrant commercial hub — a testament to how education can stimulate development from the grassroots upward.
Corporate Social Responsibility In Action
Although still at its infancy, Rayhaan University’s establishment alone constitutes a form of corporate social responsibility. It is a strategic investment that benefits society at large, particularly by reducing youth unemployment, curbing brain drain, and fostering social cohesion. The institution’s management has also been deliberate in supporting community-based initiatives, engaging local contractors, and encouraging student-driven outreach projects that benefit nearby schools and vulnerable groups.
A Vision Rooted In Service
Critics who question the university’s outreach to the poor must understand that such a monumental project is still in its formative years. Like every emerging institution, Rayhaan University is gradually expanding its programs, scholarships, and community partnerships. Expecting it to fully shoulder the social responsibilities of an established century-old university at this stage would be both unrealistic and unfair.
Nevertheless, the foundation has been laid. Through its accessible tuition, creation of local jobs, and unwavering focus on excellence, Rayhaan University is redefining what it means to invest in education for the public good.
In the long run, the university’s vision extends far beyond academics — it seeks to build an ecosystem where knowledge translates into opportunity, and where every young person, regardless of background, can aspire to greatness within their own community.
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