The Islamic Call University College (ICUC) has received an invaluable academic boost following the generous donation of a complete personal home library by Prof Idris Muhammad Othman Idris Muhammad, one of the institution’s longest-serving academic staff in the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language. The collection, valued in millions of shillings, includes books, manuscripts, research reports, conference publications, a printer, projector, and a whiteboard. This is in addition to two laptops that shall be awarded to the best performing students during the forthcoming graduation.
The brief handover ceremony was held at the ICUC Library in the presence of members of the university management. Prof Idris, who was recently elevated to the rank of Full Professor, made the donation as a gesture of gratitude upon completing his more than 20-year tour of duty in Uganda.
Reflecting on his journey, Prof Idris described his stay in Uganda as fruitful, expressing heartfelt appreciation for what he called an excellent working relationship with colleagues at the university and Direct Aid Africa, to which he was also attached. He emphasised that donating his home library to the ICUC is a way of ensuring that his academic contribution and legacy continue to serve future generations.
“My aim is to ensure that knowledge continues to benefit humanity beyond my physical presence,” he remarked, urging the university administration to make proper use of the literature and equipment. He further pledged to maintain strong ties with the institution and revealed plans to include ICUC on the scholarship list at the Direct Aid Africa headquarters in Kuwait.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Assoc Prof Dr Abdallah Idris, paid glowing tribute to Prof Idris, describing him as a comrade with whom he studied in Libya. He lauded Prof Idris as a hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate academic who never left any stone unturned in his efforts to support students and staff alike. “Prof Idris is leaving behind a very big gap that cannot easily be filled,” he said.
Prof Idris also expressed joy at witnessing the transformation of ICUC, noting that what was once perceived by some as an unrealistic dream had now matured into a reputable institution of higher learning.
Members of management present at the ceremony included the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assoc Prof Dr Muhamad Sendagi; Director Human Resource, Mdm Hadijja Nakaziba Mpaata; University Librarian and Director International Relations, Assoc Prof Dr Adnan Ali Adikata; and the University Accountant, Mr Hassan Edema. They thanked Prof Idris for his exemplary service and prayed for success in his new assignment.
The donation marks a significant milestone in strengthening ICUC’s knowledge resources and preserving the intellectual footprint of one of its most distinguished scholars.