History – Office of the Deputy Rector (Academic and Internationalisation)

The Office for Deputy Rector (Academic and Internationalisation)

Education for the Muslims must have a solid foundation for it to be reformed and revitalised. In higher education, IIUM is a solid example of the application of a sound foundation that is the Islamisation of Knowledge. Islamisation of Knowledge is the “sound universal vision, integrated sources of knowledge, and observance of natural laws, and the guidance of revealed knowledge” (Abdulhamid A. Abusulayman, 2017, p. 12). IIUM’s educational goals include providing a conducive shared learning environment (culture of ‘iqra’) geared towards the convergence of knowledge founded on tawhid in realizing “comprehensive excellence.” This chapter covers ODRAI’s stories and achievements over the past ten years. The narrative of this chapter focuses on the establishment of the new Centre of Studies, the achievements, and activities of Offices under the purview of ODRAI and the future of ODRAI.

Change of Nomenclature for the Office in Charge of Academic Matters

The Office of Deputy Rector in charge of academic matters has had its name changed several times over the span of 20 years. The change of names also reflects several changes in responsibilities and direction. In 2001, it was known as the Office of Deputy Rector (Academic Affairs). The Deputy Rectors who served the office were first, Dato’ Dr. Jamil bin Osman (from 1999 to 2003) and Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd. Azmi bin Omar (from 2003- 2004)
The office was then renamed as the Office of Deputy Rector (Academic and International Affairs) adding Internationalisation in its portfolio in 2005. Associate Dr. Mohd. Azmi bin Omar continued to oversee the office until April 2008
From April 2008 onwards, the Office portfolio was changed to Office of Deputy Rector (Academic and Research). Although Prof. Dato’ Dr. Tahir held the position as the Deputy Rector (Academic and Research) until 2015, the nomenclature of the office was changed to Office of Deputy Rector (Academic and Planning) in 2009. Throughout the name and portfolio changes, the office remained as the office managing the academic matters of the university
On 1^st May 2015, the office was then led by Prof. Dato’ Dr.Torla Hj. Hassan. He was the Deputy Rector until 30^th April 2017.
Exactly two years later, Prof. Dr. Isarji took over the position as the Deputy Rector (Academic and Planning) until 31^st July 2020. Again, the office, during Prof. Dr. Isarji’s tenure, had its nomenclature changed. This time, the office was given the responsibility to be in charge of Industrial Linkages. With a new name, the office’s focus was more on building linkages with the industries and the community, both locally and internationally.
On 1st August 2020, the office was then led by Prof. Dr. Ahamad Faris Ismail, on 1st December 2020 the office was once again renamed as the Office of Deputy Rector (Academic and Internationalisation)