The university for Kwara state, in Western Nigeria, on the border with Benin, was founded in 2009. Its founders were very keen for the university to form a key part of the local community. A university director for community development identifies areas of need in the local community, so that lecturers can use their expertise in a productive and constructive way.
Initially Kware State had only three faculties and a small student population. Today, however, it is home to eight faculties: agriculture; arts; basic health sciences; education; engineering and technology; information and communication technology; law; management and social sciences; and pure and applied sciences. It is a multi-campus university, comprised of a main campus in Malete, and two satellite campuses in nearby towns.
Kware State University regularly hosts guest lectures, concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions. There are a broad variety of student clubs and societies on campus, ranging from the pre-med society and the debating team to the hiking club and the ultimate-frisbee team.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of service and leadership opportunities. The university runs service-learning courses, which allow students to work on projects that benefit the local community.