Nurul Jadid University Postgraduate Program Conducts Benchmarking Visit to UIN KHAS Jember for Doctoral Program Development

Jember – In a warm and collegial atmosphere, the Postgraduate Program of Nurul Jadid University (UNUJA) Paiton Probolinggo conducted a benchmarking visit to Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq State Islamic University (UIN KHAS) Jember on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Held in the Guest Hall of the UIN KHAS Jember Rectorate, this activity was part of an effort to improve the quality and development of academic programs, particularly in preparation for the establishment of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies at UNUJA’s Postgraduate School.

The UNUJA delegation was led by Vice Rector III, Dr. H. Hasan Baharun, M.Pd., accompanied by Director of the Postgraduate Program, Dr. H. Akmal Mundiri, M.Pd., Head of the Master’s Program in Islamic Education Management, Dr. Abu Hasan Agus R., M.Pd.I., and Head of the Human Resources Division, Mr. Anshori, M.Pd.

Their arrival was warmly welcomed by the Rector of UIN KHAS Jember, Prof. Dr. H. Hepni, S.Ag., M.M., CPEM, along with Head of the Bureau of General Administration, Planning, and Finance (AUPK), Dr. H. Nawawi, M.Fil.I., and senior lecturer Prof. Dr. Drs. H. Abdul Muis Tabrani, M.M.

The meeting took place in a friendly and open atmosphere. Both parties shared experiences and strategies for managing doctoral programs, including curriculum development, academic governance, human resource strengthening, and quality assurance mechanisms. This forum became a valuable moment for UNUJA to learn directly from UIN KHAS’s experience in managing the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies.

In his remarks, Dr. H. Hasan Baharun expressed his appreciation and respect for the warm welcome extended by UIN KHAS Jember. He emphasized that this benchmarking activity was part of an academic initiative to design a doctoral program that is excellent and relevant. “This is more than a comparative study; it is a strategic step toward building a doctoral program that can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Islamic civilization and the development of knowledge,” he stated.

Prof. Dr. H. Hepni, Rector of UIN KHAS Jember, also conveyed his joy over the visit. According to him, such activities reflect the spirit of synergy among Islamic higher education institutions, both public and private. “We are honored to share our experiences. May the outcomes of this benchmarking bring great benefit to UNUJA and open broader opportunities for future collaboration,” he said.

This benchmarking initiative is seen as aligning with the vision and mission of national higher education, which emphasize the creation of education that is high in quality, relevant, and globally competitive. Moreover, this activity represents UNUJA Postgraduate Program’s concrete commitment to building a collaborative, sustainable academic ecosystem that is responsive to contemporary developments.