IIUM is today one of the most talked-about institutions in the Islamic world. This should not surprise anyone who has kept in touch with the university�s development. Right from its inception, IIUM has spared no effort to ensure that it provides the best tertiary education possible in all branches of knowledge. It scours the entire world in its recruitment exercises, for it would employ the most accomplished scholars for its academic departments and appoint committed professionals to run its administration. Its state-of-the-art facilities�physical and otherwise�are the envy of other institutions. And its graduates are among the most sought-after by employers looking for knowledgeable and skilful professionals who, in addition, are committed to moral and ethical values.
Its establishment in 1983 was the fulfilment of one of the major aspirations of the contemporary global Muslim community to regain the Ummah�s leadership in the quest for knowledge.IIUM operates under the direction of a Board of Governors with representatives from the eight sponsoring governments and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). It maintains links with governments and institutions all over the world, such as the League of Islamic Universities, the International Association of Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. It is also affiliated with several Malaysian-based businesses that provide opportunities for students to gain practical work experience.
Currently, IIUM is home to 15,000 students and 3,000 teaching and administrative staff members. Many of the students and members of the academic staff are expatriate. In all, about 100 countries are represented.
