Islamic Online University - Islamic Online University

The Islamic Online University (IOU) is an online, distance-learning institute founded by Bilal Philips.

Background

Initially established in 2001, the program shut down due to technical difficulties. In April 2007, the Islamic Online University (IOU) reopened with a greater offering of completely free short courses. The IOU propagates a clear-cut Salafi ideology.

Ernest Bai Koroma, the Chancellor of University of Sierra Leone (USL) welcomed the idea of establishing the IOU type Islamic institution. In 2014, the Niger State Government paid the Islamic Online University's Bachelor of Arts school fees for 35 students that registered from the state.