Islamic University of Kenyan opens constituent college in Mandera

As part of its plans to expand higher education, the Islamic University of Kenya (IUK) has opened a constituent college in Mandera providing easy access to learning for students from the area.

The new campus is located at Afaaq Islamic College, in Mandera town, which will serve as the main centre for the university’s academic and training programmes.

The campus is expected to enhance access to university education for students from Mandera and neighbouring counties, reducing the need for learners to travel long distances to pursue their studies.

Previously, many learners had to travel long distances to attend higher education institutions, which posed both financial and logistical challenges. With the new development, students can easily access the university’s academic programmes close to home, facilitating a more feasible path to success.

The constituent college will initially offer courses in Islamic Sharia and the Arabic language while other academic programmes will be introduced at a later stage.

The college, the first in the county was officially opened by the Governor of Mandera Mohammed Adan Khalif on Sunday, January 25, at a ceremony which was attended by Islamic scholars, community leaders and local administration officials.

While presiding over the opening ceremony, the Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif underscored the need for such an institution in the area as he gave assurance that the county government will work closely with other stakeholders to support and ensure the growth of the institution in Mandera.

"The need for a university in this region has always been high. As the county government, we will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure this campus grows and provides quality education for our youth,” he said.

The Islamic University of Kenya main campus in Kisaju, Kajiado County

Speaking during the event, the university founder and chairman Sheikh Mohamed Osman urged area residents to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll for various courses at the university so as to build their future.

Emphasizing that the university is founded on Islamic values that emphasize knowledge, discipline, compassion, and justice, he said the opening of the constituent college in Mandera was part of the university’s expansion plansto bring closer educational opportunities to residents of North Eastern Kenyan have for years faced challenges in accessing higher education. 

Sheikh Muhammad revealed that other campuses will be opened in the near future in Wajir and Isiolo to further improve access to education for the area residents.

In April last year, the university opened the Garissa Campus providing easy access to learning from students from the county and neighbouring areas.

Based at Kisaju, in Kajiado county, the University also runs campuses in Nairobi (South C) and Mombasa.

The Islamic University of Kenya received the charter on November 5, 2024, from President William Ruto, an event that officially recognized the institution’s status under the Universities Act (2012).

Meanwhile, to strengthen its commitment to inclusive and transformative education through strategic partnerships aimed at uplifting communities and expanding access to learning opportunities, IUK recently partnered with the Africa Education and Development Trust (AEDT) to provide interest-free study loans and enhance education access for underprivileged students.

The collaboration aims to support community development, improve academic standards, and assist with tuition financing.

The Africa Education and Development Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to elevating academic standards and supporting underprivileged individuals through education funding.