International Open University

About

International Open University (IOU), established in 2007, is a private, fully online higher‑education institution headquartered in The Gambia. Its mission is to “change the nation through education,” offering accessible, affordable, and quality programs globally. As of 2025, IOU serves approximately 9,744 enrolled students and employs 64 full‑time staff. Programs span multiple faculties - including Islamic Studies and Arabic, Business Administration and Finance, Information Technology, Education, and Psychology - offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. IOU’s research strengths include Islamic scholarship, psychology, education, and Islamic economics. Through its online learning platform, flexible study model, and global examination centers, IOU provides students worldwide with accredited distance learning, while maintaining a core commitment to combining modern academic disciplines with its Islamic ethos.

Sustainability at IOU

IOU is deeply committed to sustainability across education, community, and global access. Through its distance‑learning model, IOU promotes inclusive and affordable education, contributing to equitable, lifelong learning opportunities worldwide. Its teaching and research programmes integrate ethical, social and environmental consciousness, encouraging students to become socially responsible global citizens. The university fosters a campus culture of access, flexibility, and community service, embedding civic engagement and social responsibility into its curriculum. These values align closely with the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially ensuring quality education (SDG 4), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and promoting peaceful, inclusive societies (SDG 16).

More Information

Find more details on sustainability at IOU by accessing their Mission.