By Tamsir Gaye
The International Open University (IOU), on 7th February, 2026 commemorated its 12th Convocation Ceremony at the Paradise Suites Hotel. This year’s theme centred on ‘Faith and Innovation: Guiding the Next Generation in an AI-Driven World’.
The University has graduated a total of 1,967 students this year, about 60% being female and 40% being mal.
In his opening remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Professor, Dr. Bilal Phillip, who was represented by Mr. Seedy Kanyi, a member of the IOU Governing Council, said technological advancement is not a threat to the believer; rather a unique quality to improve and correct errors. He added that “Islam teaches us that knowledge is a trust which once learned, should be shared and its innovative application a responsibility”.
He added that today’s innovative tools will become more beneficial when faith is not abandoned. “The unique tools of today’s world, when guided by faith, will ultimately become instruments of societal service, justice, and compassion”.
The Vice Chancellor of IOU, Professor Dr. Mackie Taal, acknowledged IOU Faculty and staff for their steadfastness and hard work and for the success students registered in the class of 2026. He advised the students to be steadfast “in a fast-paced changing world where technology and AI are transforming the way we live”.
He went on: “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”.
The VC went on to highlight the achievements of the University over the course of the year, which include: registering the IOU with the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHE), membership in the African Council for Distance Learning (ACDE), and the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP).
Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, the former Vice Chancellor of the IOU also spoke, congratulating the students on their graduation; the Director of Operations, Mr. Kebba Jaiteh, IOU, Kanifing Campus, delivered vote of thanks; the Chief Guest of Honour, Dr. Umar Suleiman, a Palestinian-American Muslim scholar and writer, ivil rights activist, and founder of the Islamic Research Foundation, a prominent Islamic Think Tank, delivered his remarks via tele-conference,
The valedictorian and best graduating student, Amadou Bah, Mathematics major, gave reassuring words to all his colleagues and all students, and thanking them for their hard work, commitment and dedication over the years.
