UNUJA Opens a New Chapter: Master's Program in Islamic Studies Set to Launch

Nurul Jadid University (UNUJA) is making significant strides by establishing the Master's Program in Islamic Studies. As part of the preparatory process, the university conducted a three-day field assessment from December 27 to 29, 2024, at the Wisma Dosen Hall of UNUJA.

In his opening remarks, the Rector of UNUJA, represented by M. Noer Fadli Hidayat, M.Kom., emphasized that launching this new program is a key initiative outlined in the university's Strategic Plan (RENSTRA) for 2023–2027. “Our target is to begin enrolling new students by 2025. To support the learning process, we have prepared various facilities, including smart classrooms, research laboratories, and micro-teaching laboratories, all designed to create a modern learning environment conducive to academic research,” he explained.

This commitment was echoed by UNUJA's Postgraduate Director, Dr. H. Akmal Mundiri, M.Pd., who highlighted that the Master's Program in Islamic Studies is a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing UNUJA's competitiveness both nationally and internationally. “We hope this program serves as a stepping stone for UNUJA to continue its contribution to high-quality Islamic education,” he remarked.

The field assessment was conducted by a team of evaluators appointed by the Directorate General of Islamic Higher Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The evaluators included Prof. Dr. Ija Suntana, M.Ag., Prof. Dr. Ris’an Rusli, M.A., Dr. Lukman Nugraha, M.Ed., and Ribkah Hafidhatun Nurillah. Prof. Dr. Ija Suntana, M.Ag., elaborated that the assessment's objective was to verify UNUJA’s readiness to implement the new program. “We will examine various aspects, including the curriculum, teaching staff, learning spaces, library resources, and other supporting facilities,” he stated.

Additionally, Dr. Lukman Nugraha, M.Ed., from the Sub-Directorate of Academic Affairs (DIKTIS), clarified that this initiative is part of the ministry's broader strategy to enhance the quality of higher education across Indonesia.

The event was attended by UNUJA's leadership team, permanent lecturers of the Master's Program in Islamic Studies, administrative staff, and heads of departments within the university. The assessment process ran smoothly and systematically, although the evaluators provided some recommendations for improvement to ensure the program aligns with the expected standards.

With strong collaboration and meticulous planning, UNUJA is ready to introduce a program that is not only aligned with contemporary needs but also capable of producing exceptional graduates in Islamic Studies. This initiative underscores UNUJA's commitment to being a leader in innovative and high-quality Islamic education.