Pic: IOU VC Prof. Dr. Makie Taal with the Secretary General of IAU, Dr. Hilligje van’t Land at the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2025 Conference, Rwanda

IOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Makie Taal, undertook an official visit to the Republic of Rwanda to participate in the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2025 International Conference from 21 to 23 October 2025.

The prestigious event, hosted by the University of Rwanda, brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and researchers from across the world under the central theme “Building Trust in Higher Education.” Prof. Dr. Taal’s participation in this conference reaffirmed IOU’s unwavering commitment to promoting academic integrity, collaboration, and innovation in the global higher education landscape. The main highlight was the achievement of inclusion of IOU in the WHED (World Higher Education Database), which was confirmed by the Secretary General of IAU, Dr. Hilligje van’t Land.

Pic: IOU VC Prof. Dr. Makie Taal signed a collaboration agreement with the Vice-Chancellor of Capital University, Somalia

Pic : IOU VC Prof. Dr. Makie Taal with the Hon. Mufti of Rwanda

One of the major highlights of Prof. Dr. Taal’s visit was the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Vice-Chancellor of Capital University, Somalia. The agreement aims to strengthen academic and research ties between the two institutions, focusing on faculty exchange, joint research, and the enhancement of online learning programs. This partnership marks a significant milestone for IOU, expanding its academic network within Africa and reinforcing its mission to make higher education accessible, affordable, and relevant in addressing contemporary challenges.

During his stay, Prof. Dr. Taal also paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Mufti of Rwanda, the Supreme Leader of the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC). Both leaders shared a common vision for empowering the youth through education rooted in both academic excellence and moral integrity. The meeting paved the way for future collaboration between IOU and the Rwanda Muslim Community.