Al-Hikmah University Expands Regional Reach Through Strategic Engagements in Senegal, Gambia
A high-level delegation from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, undertook a strategic working visit to Senegal and The Gambia from September 19 to 24, 2025. The visit coincided with the prestigious U6+ Consortium of African Universities Conference, which convened Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from across the continent to explore new opportunities for partnership, innovation, and shared educational advancement.
Led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor L. F. Oladimeji, the delegation included the Registrar, Dr. K. A. Oladimeji, and the Director of the Centre for Research, Industrial Linkage and International Cooperation (CRIIC), Dr. Yusuf Suleiman. Throughout the visit, the team engaged with top universities, policymakers, and education stakeholders to broaden Al-Hikmah’s regional presence and deepen academic cooperation.
In Senegal, the delegation held discussions with two leading institutions—Cheikh Anta Diop University, the country’s oldest and most respected public university, and Supdeco Global Business School, a premier private institution. Talks focused on developing joint academic programmes, faculty and student exchange initiatives, and collaborative research projects. Both institutions agreed in principle to enter formal partnerships with Al-Hikmah University, with Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) scheduled to be finalized virtually in the coming weeks.
The delegation also paid a spiritual visit to the historic Mosque of Sheikh Ibrahim Niyas in Kaolack, Senegal, where special prayers were offered for the continued growth and global influence of Al-Hikmah University—reflecting the institution’s commitment to combining academic excellence with strong moral and spiritual values.
In The Gambia, the team visited the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) in Banjul, where they were received by Vice Chancellor, Professor Nazmat Surajudeen Bakinde. Discussions centered on fostering technical collaboration, particularly in engineering education, by leveraging USET’s modern laboratories to support Al-Hikmah’s recently launched engineering programmes. The collaboration is aimed at providing students with hands-on training aligned with global industry standards, improving academic quality, and nurturing innovation among young engineers.
Another major highlight was the U6+ Consortium Conference, which officially opened on September 22. Professor Oladimeji joined other African Vice Chancellors in advancing key goals such as promoting inter-university mobility, encouraging collaborative research, and driving innovation in higher education. The conference served as a vital platform for universities to share ideas and develop strategies that enhance academic relevance and strengthen intercontinental partnerships.
The visit also featured a high-level meeting with The Gambia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, where the Vice Chancellor and CRIIC Director met with the Honorable Minister and senior officials to discuss strategic collaboration in manpower development, student scholarships, and capacity-building programmes. The Minister expressed a strong interest in facilitating structured educational partnerships that would enable Gambian students and government personnel to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Al-Hikmah University.
Acknowledging the university’s growth and impact since its establishment in 2005, the Minister extended an invitation to Professor Oladimeji to return to The Gambia for a strategic forum involving Islamic private universities and other education stakeholders. The forthcoming forum aims to highlight Al-Hikmah’s operational model as a successful example for emerging institutions in the region, emphasizing best practices in quality assurance, management, and sustainable institutional development.
To consolidate its growing presence in The Gambia, Al-Hikmah University held a meeting with Binnibi Consultant on September 22 to finalize plans for the establishment of a liaison office in Banjul. The proposed office will serve as a regional hub for student recruitment, academic outreach, and partnerships—further enhancing Al-Hikmah’s engagement with local communities and strengthening its footprint in West Africa.
On the same day, the delegation also visited the International Open University (IOU) in The Gambia, where discussions centered on joint degree programmes, online course development, and faculty exchange opportunities.
The visit concluded with a dinner hosted by Al-Hikmah University alumni residing in The Gambia. The alumni reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their alma mater in student recruitment and regional outreach. Among the attendees were distinguished alumni such as Prof. Wahid Damilola Olanipekun, former Director of Research and Innovation at the American International University, Gambia; Isatou Jobe, Counsellor at The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Musa Ceesay, CEO of Barsa Enterprise; and Papa Malick Khadi, Deputy Head of the Gambia Court of Appeal.
The engagements in Senegal and The Gambia mark a significant milestone in Al-Hikmah University’s internationalization drive, underscoring its role as a model of excellence in faith-based higher education. By forging stronger academic partnerships and expanding its regional influence, the university continues to demonstrate its vision of becoming a leading global institution rooted in Africa’s development and educational transformation.
Source: Al-Hikmah University Official Website
