Deputising for Professor Bilal Philips, Seedy Kanyi, IOU Governing Council member, delivered the opening remarks on the latter’s behalf. He said that technological advancement is not a threat to the believer but rather a unique quality to improve and correct errors. “Islam teaches us that knowledge is a trust which once learned, should be shared and its innovative application a responsibility.”
“The unique tools of today’s world, when guided by faith, will ultimately become instruments of societal service, justice and compassion,” he added, praying for a more ethical, spiritual and conscious world as the next generation emerges.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Mackie Taal acknowledged IOU faculty and staff for their steadfastness and for the success students registered in the class of 2026. “All of you had excelled in an exceptional way, giving us the privilege and honor to celebrate your outstanding performance during your time at IOU. You have all fulfilled all requirements to be graduated and designated as professionals in your areas of concentrations,” he said.
Professor Taal urged the students to be ready and strive to adapt in a fast-paced and rapidly changing world, where AI influences all aspects of life. “You are not just entering the workforce; you are entering a global landscape where your judgements, ethics and leadership will shape how society interacts with technology,” he underscored, later stressing the essence of faith for the graduating students in such a time.
The vice chancellor enumerated a series of achievements registered by the institution in his one year tenure. Among them are the registration in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHE), membership of the African Council for Distance Learning (ACDE), several MoUs and agreements with other universities and partners, and the proposed new programmes geared for NAQAA accreditation.
Professor Cherno Omar Barry, former vice chancellor and Taal’s immediate predecessor, congratulated the students, praising the efforts of his successor.
Similarly, Dr Umar Suleiman, Palestinian American Muslim scholar and the founder of the prominent Islamic Research Foundation, briefly spoke virtually to the audience in his capacity as chief guest of honour. He urged work and “pursuing Allah when other people pursue self”.
In his valedictory speech, Amadou Bah, a Mathematics major, commended his colleagues and all students for their hard work, commitment and dedication. He equally thanked the administration for the principled guidance.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr Kebba Jaiteh, director of operations at the Kanifing Campus, lauded the chancellor's visionary leadership, the vice chancellor’s principled leadership, thanking the dignitaries present. He equally recognised the students for their effort and determination through their journey.
Mbye Jassey, the president of the IOU Students’ Council, spoke almost on the same lines. He expressed gratitude to the entire student body for their work and the legacy left behind.
Meanwhile, as part of the occasion’s highlights, the IOU’s Deputy Director Mr Sidike Ceesay was awarded as the most punctual and disciplined staff, while Accountant Mr Lamin Saidy as staff of the year. MRC Holland Foundation also got recognised for their excellent humanitarian services.
