Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), situated in Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria, is a premier state-owned institution committed to advancing education in science, technology, and engineering. Formerly known as Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), the university was renamed in 2022 to honor Aliko Dangote, Africa’s renowned billionaire and philanthropist, for his contributions to education and industrialization in Nigeria.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of Aliko Dangote University, addressing key questions about its status, Aliko Dangote’s educational background, school fees, application process, admission portal, and cut-off marks.” With a focus on recent data from 2020 to 2025, this guide aims to equip prospective students, parents, and stakeholders with essential information about this esteemed institution.
Is Aliko Dangote University a Private University?
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) is not a private university; it is a state-owned institution established and funded by the Kano State Government. Founded in 2001 as Kano University of Technology, it was later renamed Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) before adopting its current name in 2022, following a recommendation by the university’s visitation panel to honor Aliko Dangote’s contributions to education and economic development. As a state university, ADUSTECH is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and focuses on providing affordable, high-quality education in science and technology disciplines.
Unlike private universities, which rely on tuition and private funding, ADUSTECH benefits from state subsidies, making it more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university’s commitment to public education is evident in its relatively low tuition fees and its role in addressing Nigeria’s technological and scientific manpower needs.
What Did Aliko Dangote Study in University?
Aliko Dangote, after whom the university is named, is Africa’s wealthiest individual and a prominent industrialist known for founding the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, and other industries. He studied Business Administration at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. This academic foundation in business equipped him with the skills to build one of Africa’s most successful enterprises.
While Aliko Dangote is not directly affiliated with ADUSTECH as a student or alumnus, his contributions to education, particularly in Northern Nigeria, led to the university being renamed in his honor in 2022. His business acumen and philanthropy align with the university’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, making the naming a fitting tribute to his legacy.
How Much Is the School Fee for Aliko Dangote University?
The school fees at Aliko Dangote University are structured to be affordable, reflecting its status as a state-owned institution. For the 2023/2024 academic session, the university management approved new registration fees for both fresh and returning students, with distinctions based on indigeneship (Kano State residents) and non-indigenes. According to official announcements, the fee structure is as follows:
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Fresh Students:
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Indigenes: ₦11,850
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Non-indigenes: ₦95,309
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Returning Students:
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Indigenes: ₦13,500
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Non-indigenes: ₦98,309
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Additionally, the Kano State Government approved reduced tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic session, though specific amounts for all programs were not detailed in available sources. These fees cover registration and other administrative costs, but additional expenses, such as accommodation or faculty-specific levies, may apply. For example, undergraduates attending the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony in May 2025 are required to pay ₦3,000 for convocation gowns, while postgraduates pay ₦5,000.
Compared to private universities in Nigeria, ADUSTECH’s fees are significantly lower, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education at a reduced cost. Students are advised to check the university’s official portal (www.kustwudil.edu.ng) or contact the Bursar’s Department (ict@kustwudil.edu.ng) for the most current fee structure, as fees may vary by program or academic year.
How to Apply to Aliko Dangote University (KUST Wudil)?
Applying to Aliko Dangote University, also referred to as KUST Wudil, involves a straightforward process, primarily through the university’s online portal and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) system. Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process for the 2024/2025 academic session, based on recent information:
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Check Eligibility:
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UTME Candidates: Must have chosen Aliko Dangote University as their first choice in the JAMB UTME and scored at least 160 points.
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Direct Entry Candidates: Must have a minimum of Lower Credit at National Diploma or at least seven (7) points in NCE or IJMB in relevant courses or subject combinations.
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Candidates must have at least five O-Level credits, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
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Register for JAMB UTME:
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Candidates must write and pass the JAMB UTME, meeting the university’s cut-off mark for their chosen program. Results must be uploaded to the JAMB portal if not already done.
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Access the Admission Portal:
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Visit the Aliko Dangote University admission portal at www.kustwudil.edu.ng.
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Click on the “2024 Post UTME/Direct Entry Screening Registration” link and create an account using your JAMB UTME or Direct Entry Registration Number and a chosen password.
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Verify that your JAMB records have been uploaded to the university portal by checking the “Uploaded JAMB List” on the website.
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Complete the Online Application:
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Fill in personal details and upload O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) in not more than two sittings. Candidates awaiting results can select the “Awaiting Results” option.
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Direct Entry candidates must upload scanned PDF copies of A-Level results (IJMB, NCE, or Diploma).
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Pay the Post-UTME screening fee, which is typically required for both UTME and Direct Entry candidates. The exact amount is not specified in recent sources, but it is payable through the portal.
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Attend the Post-UTME Screening:
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UTME candidates must participate in the compulsory Post-UTME screening test. Direct Entry candidates are only required to register and pay the screening fee.
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The screening exercise for 2023/2024 was rescheduled for some candidates to November 1, 2023, for those who missed the initial date. Check the portal for 2024/2025 screening dates.
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Check Admission Status:
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After the screening, check your admission status on the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and the Aliko Dangote University portal. The 2024/2025 admission lists (first and second batches) have been released.
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Online registration for admitted students closes on February 21, 2025, and students must update their bio-data with their National Identification Number (NIN) by March 10, 2025, for the NELFUND application cycle.
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Additional Notes:
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GSM phones and electronic devices are not allowed during the screening.
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Candidates experiencing issues, such as unrecognized usernames or passwords after changing courses, should contact the university’s ICT support at ict@kustwudil.edu.ng.
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The Institute for Continuing and Innovative Education (ICIE) at ADUSTECH offers additional programs, such as IJMB, with specific entry requirements (e.g., four O-Level credits including English, Mathematics, and Geography).
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For further assistance, contact the Academic Office at academicoffice@kustwudil.edu.ng or visit www.kustwudil.edu.ng.
Aliko Dangote University Admission Portal
The Aliko Dangote University admission portal is the primary platform for applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programs, checking admission status, and managing registration. Accessible at www.kustwudil.edu.ng, the portal is user-friendly and designed to streamline the application process. Key features include:
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Post-UTME/DE Application: Candidates can register for the 2024/2025 Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening by creating an account with their JAMB registration number and password.
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Admission List Checking: The portal hosts the first and second batch admission lists for the 2024/2025 session, with a total of 3,675 students admitted.
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Course Registration: Students can use the “Add and Drop” functionality to adjust course selections for the second semester.
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Bio-Data Updates: Students must update their bio-data with their NIN by March 10, 2025, to qualify for NELFUND loans.
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Payment Processing: The portal facilitates payment of screening fees, registration fees, and other charges, with instructions to retain bank tellers for receipts from the Bursar’s Department.
Candidates facing technical issues, such as course changes not reflecting on the portal, should contact mis@kustwudil.edu.ng or ict@kustwudil.edu.ng for support. The portal is regularly updated with announcements, such as the academic calendar and examination schedules for the 2024/2025 session.
Aliko Dangote University Cut-Off Marks
The cut-off marks for Aliko Dangote University vary by program, reflecting the competitive nature of its science and technology-focused courses. For the 2024/2025 academic session, the minimum cut-off marks for UTME candidates are:
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General Requirement: A minimum of 160 points in JAMB UTME to be eligible for the Post-UTME screening.
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Specific Program Cut-Offs:
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B.Sc. (Hons) Architecture: 170 and above
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B.Sc. (Hons) Computer Science: 170 and above
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B.Eng. Civil: 170 and above
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B.Eng. Electrical: 160 and above
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B.Sc. (Hons) Information Communication Technology: 160 and above
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Direct Entry candidates require a Lower Credit at National Diploma or a minimum of seven points in NCE or IJMB in relevant subjects. Failure to meet these cut-off marks results in disqualification from the admission process. Candidates should verify their eligibility on the JAMB portal and ensure their chosen program aligns with their UTME score. The university’s competitive nature underscores the importance of meeting or exceeding these thresholds.
Academic Programs and Accreditation
Aliko Dangote University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Science, Engineering, and more. As of June 2024, 20 out of 24 academic programs received full accreditation from the NUC, with the remaining four under interim status, indicating ongoing efforts to meet high academic standards. Examples of accredited programs include:
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B.Sc. Agric. Economics & Extension
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B.Sc. Library and Information Science
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B.Tech. Food Science and Technology
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B.Eng. Civil, Electrical, and more
The university’s School of Postgraduate Studies offers Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s degrees, and PhDs, coordinated to ensure quality education and research. With 7,985 students enrolled across various programs, ADUSTECH continues to expand its academic offerings to meet Nigeria’s technological needs.
Campus Life and Facilities
Located along Gaya/Dutse Road in Wudil, Kano State, Aliko Dangote University provides a serene and conducive learning environment. The campus supports a diverse student population from across Nigeria, with accommodation available for new and returning students. However, the university faces challenges, including the need for more funding to enhance facilities, update academic resources, and expand online learning infrastructure. Despite these, ADUSTECH is recognized for its dedicated faculty, with many holding advanced degrees, and its commitment to research and innovation.
Recent Developments (2020–2025)
Aliko Dangote University has made significant strides in recent years:
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Rebranding: Renamed in 2022 to honor Aliko Dangote, reflecting his contributions to education and industrialization.
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Accreditation Success: Achieved full NUC accreditation for 20 programs in 2024.
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Academic Calendar: The 2024/2025 session began on November 24, 2024, with first-semester exams scheduled after February 15, 2024.
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Convocation Ceremony: The 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony is set for May 7–10, 2025, with Aliko Dangote’s formal investiture as an honorary doctorate recipient.
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Rankings: Ranked 90th in Nigeria by EduRank.org and 42nd by UniRank in 2024, indicating its growing reputation.
Challenges and Considerations
While Aliko Dangote University excels in science and technology education, prospective students should consider:
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Limited Non-STEM Programs: The university focuses heavily on STEM disciplines, which may not suit students seeking non-STEM fields.
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Infrastructure Needs: Additional funding is necessary to modernize facilities and expand online learning capabilities.
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Competitive Admissions: The university’s competitive nature requires strong academic performance and adherence to cut-off marks.
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Location: Situated in Wudil, a smaller town, it may not appeal to students preferring metropolitan campuses.
Conclusion
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria, offering affordable, high-quality education in science, technology, and engineering. As a state-owned institution, it provides accessible tuition, with fees as low as ₦11,850 for indigenes, and a streamlined application process via its admission portal. With cut-off marks starting at 160 for UTME candidates and a diverse range of accredited programs, ADUSTECH is an attractive choice for students pursuing STEM careers.
The university’s renaming in honor of Aliko Dangote, who studied Business Administration at Al-Azhar University, reflects its commitment to innovation and industrialization. By leveraging its portal, meeting eligibility criteria, and preparing diligently, prospective students can embark on a transformative academic journey at Aliko Dangote University. For more information, visit www.kustwudil.edu.ng or contact ict@kustwudil.edu.ng.
