About Us

Sado American University (SAU) is the first private American Affiliated University in Unuwazi, Uromi, Ishan, Edo State, Nigeria. SAU is one of the nation’s higher education institutions in Nigeria and Africa. It is founded by Bishop John Sado because of his life education experiences in the United States and the lack of higher education opportunities for his country of birth citizens. SAU was founded in 2024 primarily for the people of Unuwazi, Uromi, who are poor, and for disadvantaged Africans. The University was named in honor of the Founder - John Ibhagbosoria Sado.

Sado American University is in Unuwazi, Uromi, Ishan West, eight miles west of Uromi Township, 120 miles from Benin City, the state Capital of Edo State, Nigeria. The land was orginally owned by the family of Sado and occupied by natives Farmland for years.  Bishop John Sado claimed the 240 Heckers of land from the natives’ farmers with an agreed Naira amount of compensation to the Farmers. The land is now surveyed as the SAU’s ownership and for government registration.

Initially, the institution’s five major study components are the four-year college track, beginning August 1, 2025. Students will spend the day, from seven o’clock until 4;00pm, in classes. After class, Students will elect to work in various University grounds for minimum wages per hour. Room and board, including laundry, cost about N120,000.00 per semester. That will amount to an estimate of N18,000,000.00 fees for initial enrollment of 1500 students.

By 2025, Sado American University will become a Liberal Arts and Holistic Medicine University. The university will admit males and females as undergraduate students but eventually will upgrade to graduate /postgraduate degree programs.  A dormitory for men and women was built in 2024. The Start-up buildings are administrative buildings, five academic/classroom buildings, and a Library. With time, facilities will increase as student enrollment increases. 

The student population will be drawn from more than 170 local governments (Ishan, Auchi, Igarra, Ora), more than 30 states in Nigeria, and at least 18 foreign countries. The University will provide an undergraduate education that enables students to successfully pursue work in ministry, hospitality, graduate and professional schools, engage in teaching, and enter other professions.

Even though Sado American University has a truly concise history, the leadership and faculty remained committed to promoting and establishing the institution’s image and to attracting adults and young people whose interest is the pursuit and receipt of quality education.  As of now, “the university has overcome and excelled against great odds” has become one of the promising universities in Nigeria. The university will operate colleges with degree programs in more than 25 areas, including bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist degrees, and doctorates in the near future.

Professor Jonathan U, Elimimian relocated from the United States of America to serve as the First Chancelor (President) of the University. President Jonathan Elimimian background and SAU mission and vision are strategically aligned with Sado American University. He is poised to expeditiously move SAU to the next level of excellence. The founder guaranteed the sum of 200,000 million Naira to Nigeria Federal Commission as an insurance of Security to sustain the University. The University building plan, academic programs, faculty and staff were pre-approved by the agency of Nigeria Federal Government of in support of its establishment and overall operation. 

The collaborative strength with Apostolic Seminary University in the United States of America, have enabled the institution to excel. In June 2024, the Nigeria University Commission, officially approve the University status to open its door as institution of higher education in Nigeria. First student’s intake will begin August 1, 2025. 

Dr. Jonathan U. Elimimian, BS; MBA; Ph. D; DBA
 Founding Chancellor/President:
The History of Sado American University (2024)