Design Community-Centric Academic Programs

OIC secretary general Hissein Brahim Taha.

Jeddah, 15 December, 2024 - The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha called on universities in the OIC Member States to adapt educational programs that are aligned with labor market demands and the socio-economic needs of the communities they serve. The Secretary-General made the call in a statement delivered on his behalf by Mr. Abdunur M. Sekindi, Director General of the Science & Technology Department at the 33rd Graduation Ceremony of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) held at IUIU main Campus in the city of Mbale, Eastern Uganda on 14 December 2024. The Secretary-General further underscored OIC’s full commitment to supporting IUIU in its mission to be a center of excellence. 

The colorful ceremony attracted thousands of guests from the East African region and beyond including H. E. Prof. Al-Said Mohammaed Al-Tabtabie, Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council from Kuwait; H.E. Dr. Saleh Hamad Al-Suhaibani, Vice President of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the OIC; H.E. Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman Aba Al-Khail, Executive Director of ISF; and H.E. Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, Chairman of Mariam Abacha American Group of Universities in Nigeria. 

H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda was represented by Rt. Honorable Robinah Nabbanja. In his speech delivered by the Prime Minister, President Museveni paid glowing tribute to the OIC for its commitment to the promotion of higher education and for establishing the  Islamic University in Uganda in 1988. Under the OIC patronage, the University has registered tremendous expansion both in academic programs and modern infrastructure development.  

At this year’s graduation ceremony, more than 2500 students graduated with various awards ranging from certificates to PhD degrees. 

Earlier on 12th December, the Governing Council of IUIU had held its 38th ordinary meeting in Kampala during which it adopted a number of resolutions aimed at improving the administrative and academic performance of the university. 

IUIU, which started with only 88 students in 1988, and two Faculties at its inception, now hosts over 12,000 students with Nine Faculties. It has further expanded to other parts of the country by establishing three other campuses in addition to the main campus in Mbale. – OIC News