Islamic University of Kenya appoints new VC
Dr. Mohamed Abdinoor Dahir was formally received by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Osman, together with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Dr. Ali Sunkar.
The Islamic University of Kenya (IUK) today, November 26 2025, announced the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Abdinoor Dahir as its new Vice Chancellor. He succeeds Dr. Ahmed Bilal Waqar, who has completed his four-year tenure at the helm of the institution.
Dr. Mohamed was formally received by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Osman, together with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Dr. Ali Sunkar. He was later introduced to the wider university fraternity during a brief meeting held at the institution.
With more than 25 years of experience in education leadership, research, humanitarian programming, and institutional development across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, Dr. Mohamed brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
“His extensive background in academic leadership and community service aligns with the vision and mission of the Islamic University of Kenya and positions him to guide the University to its next level of growth and excellence,” read a statement from the university.
“The Islamic University of Kenya looks forward to working closely with Dr. Mohamed as we continue to advance academic excellence, strengthen our community, and widen our contribution to the nation and the Ummah,” the statement further noted:
The institution also commended outgoing Vice Chancellor Dr. Waqar, recognizing his transformative leadership and significant contributions to strengthening the university’s academic and administrative foundations. “His leadership, dedication, and positive impact will be remembered with gratitude. We wish him success and blessings in his future endeavors,” the statement added.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Mohamed reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the values of excellence, integrity, and service that define the institution. “We shall foster a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and community engagement, empowering our students to become leaders and agents of positive change,” he stated.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the journey ahead, he added: “I am honored and excited to embark on this journey with all of you. Let us work together to make the Islamic University of Kenya a shining example of Islamic education and a source of pride for our community.”
The Alumni Fraternity of the Islamic University of Kenya (IUK) also welcomed his appointment saying that it marks a moment of renewed hope and strategic growth for our University. “The IUK Alumni community stands ready to support your leadership as you guide the University toward new heights of academic excellence, global partnerships, innovation, and service to the Ummah. We look forward to working closely with your office to strengthen alumni engagement, expand professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our University’s mission,” said the chairperson Ismail Idd Hassan.
“We look forward to working closely with your office to strengthen alumni engagement, expand professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our University’s mission,” he said.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Mohamed served as the Chief Executive Officer of Education for Africa (EFA) and as a lecturer in Disaster Resilience Leadership at the United Nations University for Peace – Africa Program.
He holds a PhD in Leadership and Management from the Management University of East Africa, a Master’s in Project Management from Salford University (UK), and an Executive Master in Education Leadership and Policy obtained from Moi University.
The academic complex at the Islamic University of Kenya
Located in Kisaju, Kajiado county along the Nairobi–Namanga highway, the Islamic University of Kenya is the second fully-fledged Islamic institution of higher learning recognized by the government.
The university runs five major colleges that Faculty of Sharia, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Management and Economics, Faculty of Arabic Language and faculty of Information technology.
It also hosts a center for higher studies offering master’s degrees in Sharia, Education, and Islamic Studies.
Beyond its Kisaju main campus, the university operates additional learning centres in Nairobi’s South C Estate and in Mombasa at Madrasatul Munawar.