Garissa: Islamic University of Kenya has opened its branch in Garissa town five months after it received its charter. The university received the charter on November 5, 2024, from President William Ruto, an event that officially recognized the university's status under the Universities Act (2012).
According to Kenya News Agency, the university's board, led by Sheikh Mohamed Osman, expressed gratitude to President Ruto during a ceremony held at a Garissa hotel. Osman emphasized the importance of the charter, highlighting its significance for the North Eastern region in enhancing education standards. He urged the youth to enroll in various courses offered by the university, which is founded on Islamic values of knowledge, discipline, compassion, and justice.
Osman noted the challenges faced by the region, such as poverty and unemployment, underscoring the need to embrace values that foster empowerment and enlightenment. He disclosed plans to offer courses aligned with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) and announced the establishment of a fully-fledged medical school.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo praised the branch's opening as a step toward fulfilling the region's dream of access, equity, and empowerment through higher education. He depicted the campus as a beacon of hope and a gateway to brighter futures for the youth, emphasizing the transformative power of education.
Sheikh Abdisalan Mohamed, a former Director of the Young Muslim Association, highlighted the new opportunities for students who previously faced financial barriers to studying abroad. SUPKEM National Organizing Secretary Sheikh Abdullahi Salat stressed the university's role in addressing the region's teacher shortage and urged the county government to allocate land for future expansion.
Former Lagdera MP Mohamed Shidiye encouraged parents to invest in their children's education, citing it as a key to a better future. He also noted the potential for employment opportunities for the youth, emphasizing the importance of utilizing human resources effectively for economic growth.