​OFFICE O​F THE PROVOST​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

More than ever, our world needs leaders interested in building connections and expanding the world’s collective knowledge to confront humankind’s greatest challenges. 

This has been the heartbeat of AKU since its beginning more than 35 years ago. Our Founder and Chancellor envisioned a multi-campus, multi-continental University—comprehensive, broadly integrated, and research driven. A problem-oriented University, seeking real-world solutions, providing access for all. 

What does it take to build an academic programme for such a unique University, ensuring that we deliver on our ultimate goal? 

First, it must begin with faculty who are accomplished in their field, mentors and living examples of integrity and servant leadership, active in pragmatic research, not satisfied with teaching concepts from a textbook. 

Second, it requires partners at local, regional and global levels who are eager to share their time, talent and resources to accomplish more together. We are grateful to have reputable partners on board such as the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, NOVA University of Lisbon, and the Catholic University of Portugal. In Nairobi, we offer a joint course in leadership with Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Soon, our Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations will offer a joint degree with Columbia University. 

And third, we must accept the most qualified students, selected on the basis of merit, who embrace the AKU mission and vision, and who aspire to become leaders in their communities and beyond. 

We are in a season of rapid expansion of programs and facilities – we are looking forward to launching a Faculty of Arts and Sciences in Pakistan; opening a new University Centre in Nairobi and breaking ground on a new University Hospital in Kampala. 

In this time of rapid expansion, we will never compromise our commitment to quality. We move forward with our plans when it passes our IQRA litmus test: Is it built to deliver Impact? Can it be done with utmost Quality? Is it Relevant and needed in our communities? And will it be Accessible to students, patients and others regardless of income or status? 

If you resonate with our mission, there is likely a way that you can join us. Together let’s raise the quality of life for all.