AL-MAKTOUM INSTITUTE OUTLINES AMBITIONS

DUNDEE’S Al-Maktoum Institute today (Wednesday, October 28, 2009) announced its aim to become a University College by the year 2020. Institute Principal, Professor Malory Nye outlined the ambitious target, part of a recently completed, comprehensive five-year strategy, at the Institute’s Graduation Day ceremony. “The strategy for the next five years is to put in place the building blocks for our long-term aim to become a University College,” said Professor Nye, speaking at the Marryat Hall in Dundee. “We want to achieve University College status. That is our ambition and we feel we have the talent and determination to make it happen. “It would make the Institute a distinctive, independent and internationally-recognised centre of excellence for higher education with its own degree awarding powers, while continuing our valued partnership with the University of Aberdeen. “Over the planning cycle of the next five years, we intend to be in a position for further growth and expansion that would help us achieve University College status by 2020.” Professor Nye, now in his second year as Principal said, that University College status for the Institute would bring further academic distinction to Dundee, which is already on the map internationally because of its two existing universities, as well as economic benefits.  “Student and staff numbers would rise with the number of taught and research educational programmes expanded,” said Professor Nye.  “Through marketing, recruitment, development of new programmes and teaching modes, and the continued growth of internal organisation and external partnerships, our strategy means the Institute will be transformed over the next five years.”
The Principal said that the Institute had achieved a great deal over the past seven years but it could not afford to be complacent.  “We will take a measured approach as we strive to go forward from strength to strength, promoting intelligent debate and understanding in the broad field of the study of Islam and Muslims,” he said. A total of 15 students graduated at the ceremony bringing the Institute’s graduation role to 91 from 24 different countries including Malaysia, Malawi, Poland, Egypt and Scotland. “This is quite an achievement even in our relatively short history,” said Professor Nye. At the ceremony, Mr Ibrahim Okhai, owner of Medea International Ltd, received an Honorary Fellowship from the Institute. A member of the Institute Council, Mr Okhai is well known for his business activities both locally and internationally. Professor Nye said: “Ibrahim Okhai has offered the Institute his expertise and support and is a valued member of the Institute Council. “We are delighted that he has agreed to become our 10th Honorary Fellow and look forward to his continued involvement with us. “The Honorary Fellowship is in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of the Institute and its values of multiculturalism.”

28th October 2009 | Back To News