AMU signs MoU with Islamic University of Maldives
Aligarh : Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a virtual ceremony thus paving way for a strong educational, research, training and academic linkage between the two institutions.
The MoU was signed by the Vice Chancellor, AMU Prof Tariq Mansoor and Vice Chancellor, IUM, Dr Ibrahim Zakriyya Moosa virtually while the ceremony was attended online by Shri Munu Mahawar, IFS, and High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives. AMU Registrar, Mr. Abdul Hamid, IPS, Deans of various Faculties in AMU, Dr Dheeba Moosa, Deputy Vice Chancellor, IUM and other officials were also present during the ceremony.
The ceremony conducted in online mode by AMU Registrar Mr. Abdul Hamid, IPS, began with recitation of verses from Holy Quran. Registrar, AMU Mr. Abdul Hamid IPS highlighted the significance of MoU between the two institutions.
AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tariq Mansoor, while welcoming the participants stated: “This MoU has been facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs and AMU has been chosen amongst the 11 Universities which were shortlisted by the Indian government. With its 150 years history and academic excellence, AMU was found to be the most suitable University for this MoU.”
He stressed that AMU is a multidisciplinary University with 103 centers and Departments including Faculties of Medicine, Unani Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Management, Social Sciences, and Theology among others.
“Both India and Maldives share close relationships, this educational linkage will further boost the ties between the two nations. Research collaboration, consultation, short term training, academic exchange will be the key areas for MoU,” Prof. Tariq Mansoor added.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manu Mahawar, IFS, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives said, “This MoU was pursued for quite some time. India and Maldives share a special partnership. This action point for educational linkage was discussed during the Foreign Minister meetings of both the nations in 2019. This is the first such collaboration. It will strongly connect the people of two nations.”
Vice Chancellor, IUM, Dr Ibrahim Zakriyya Moosa expressed his pleasure over signing of the MoU with AMU. “This will strengthen the academic and intellectual relations between the two Universities. This MoU marks a commendable milestone. It will create synergy for both the institutions and integrate to develop sharing in teaching, learning and research field,” Dr Moosa said.
Dr Moosa also recalled his AMU visit in 2018. Cherishing the memories, he remarked, “I still cherish the memories of my AMU visit, the strong sense of love which I received in the institution. I am impressed by the academic and intellectual progress done by AMU. The heritage buildings and state of art modern structure is a landmark for the institution”.
Dr Moosa also expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives for extending all support in materializing the signing of MoU between the two institutions.
Registrar, AMU, Mr. Abdul Hamid, IPS in his address stated, “I am confident that through our efforts and commitment the relationship and cooperation between the two institutions and nations. I am thankful to the Ministry of Education and High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Manu Mahawar for extending their support.”
Registrar, Mr. Abdul Hamid, IPS also apprised that the event was scheduled to be held in offline mode, but due to outbreak of Covid pandemic, it was rescheduled in online mode. Soon a delegation led by AMU VC Prof. Tariq Mansoor will visit IUM, Maldives.
VC, IUM Dr Ibrahim Zakariyya Moosa also extended his official invite to AMU VC for visiting his institution.
The ceremony was attended by Deans of various Faculties including Prof. Wasim Ahmad, (Faculty of Life Sciences), Prof. Nisar A Khan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Saud Alam Qasmi, Dean, Faculty of Theology, Prof. Syed Mohamaad Hashim, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Salma Ansari, Dean, Faculty of Management, Prof. A R Qidwai, Director, Quranic Centre, Prof. Mohammad Saleem, Chairman, Department of Sunni Theology, Prof. Faizan Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Arabic, Prof. Muhammad Ismail Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies, Prof. Obaidullah Fahad (Islamic Studies) from AMU side. While Dr Dheeba Moosa, Deputy Vice Chancellor, IUM, Mr Ahmed Rauf Abdullah, Registrar, IUM, Mr. Ali Razeen, Director Human Resources, Ms Aishath Shina, Acting Director, Local and International Relation and Mr. Yaniu Hashim, Director, Chancellor Bureau represented IUM, Maldives in the online ceremony.