About Us

Background of Amaanah International University

First: General Secretariat for Islamic /Arabic Education in The Gambia:

The General Secretariat was established at the initiative of the principals of major Islamic schools and institutes in The Gambia and at the proposal of the Ministry of Education in the Republic of the Gambia, in a session held on Wednesday, April 4, 1996 at the Regional Education office, Region 1, Kanifing, and was formed at the meeting of principals of schools and major institutes in The Gambia on Saturday, April 6, 1996 at the Islamic Institute in Tallinding Kunjang, and then officially registered with license No. (54/1997) on March 25, 1997. It was officially inaugurated in 1996 by former Minister of Basic Education Mrs. Satang Jaw.

From this official government inauguration, the Secretariat became the official body authorized by the Gambian government to take care of the affairs of Arab Islamic schools, build and develop their curricula, and provide certificates and community educational services.

creative arts & business.

Second: Amaanah Training Institute:

Amaanah Training Institute
The Amaanah Training Institute was established in 2008 in response to the growing needs of Arab-Islamic education in The Gambia. At that time, there were over 513 Arab-Islamic schools with more than 160,000 students, yet only a small percentage of graduates had access to university education.
The Institute was created to strengthen the academic and professional capacity of teachers and educational staff in The Gambia and neighboring countries. Its goal is to improve the quality of education by training qualified teachers, supervisors, and Islamic educators who can effectively serve in schools and communities.
Before its establishment, most teachers in the sector were untrained, but the Institute has significantly improved the situation, with the majority of educators now receiving proper professional training.
The Amaanah Training Institute was officially accredited by the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation (NAQAA) in 2015, with its accreditation renewed in 2024, confirming its role in promoting quality education and training.

Cancellation and Exclusion

1. This regulation cancels the regulations and accountability of students at the Amaanah International University. 2. All actions taken under the preceding Regulation and any other regulations prior to the coming into force of these Regulations shall remain valid unless amended or repealed.

Vice Chancellor

Third: Amaanah International University:

Development of Amaanah International University
In 2018, the idea of upgrading the Amaanah Training Institute into a university began under the name “International Secretariat University”, while the Institute continued as one of its key faculties focused on educational rehabilitation and vocational training.
This development was supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 23 October 2018 between the International University of Africa (Sudan) and the General Secretariat for Islamic/Arab Education in The Gambia, following a visit to Sudan from 14–24 October 2018.
Faculty Development
The Faculty of Education was officially established in 2019, with student admissions starting the same year. Following its success, the Faculty of Sharia and Law was established in 2020 to strengthen Islamic and legal studies.
University Overview
Amaanah International University is strategically located in Brikama, West Coast Region, The Gambia, near the main road connecting The Gambia and Casamance (Senegal). The university currently hosts about 570 students from different nationalities across its faculties and training institute.
Vision
To achieve leadership, excellence, and quality in higher education and research locally and globally, contributing to community development.
Mission
To provide high-quality academic programs, prepare qualified graduates, support impactful research, and contribute to solving local and global challenges.
Core Values
The university is guided by:
- Justice and equal opportunity
- Honesty and professional ethics
- Transparency and accountability
- Quality and excellence
- Creativity and innovation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Academic freedom and openness

Why Choose Us

We believe that ideas can change life that is why our curriculum
is developed to encourage new ideas.

Intellectually Diverse

Across Africa, rulers and city governments began establishing universities to meet the growing demand for higher learning, education, and skilled professionals. In the same way, in The Gambia, Amaanah University was founded to respond to the educational needs of the community by providing quality Islamic and modern education. It aims to develop knowledgeable graduates who can serve society effectively and to promote academic excellence in various fields of study within The Gambia and beyond, contributing to national development and the advancement of education across the region..

Our Students' Stories

Our students come from different backgrounds with one goal: to gain knowledge and build a better future.

At Amaanah International University, they are trained academically and spiritually, gaining skills in education, leadership, and community service.

Many of our graduates are now serving as teachers, leaders, and professionals in The Gambia and beyond. Their success reflects our mission of quality education and positive transformation.

Our Team

Our team at Amaanah International University is made up of dedicated and qualified lecturers, administrators, and staff committed to excellence in education and training.

They work together to provide quality teaching, strong academic guidance, and effective support services to students. With experience in both Islamic and modern education, our team plays a key role in shaping responsible and skilled graduates who can serve society.