138 Students from Across 14 Countries Are Relying on YOU!

"IOU helped my community to have a better tomorrow."

For the last 7 years, these 138 students have studied tirelessly, balancing families, work, and financial hardship to earn their university degrees through the International Open University (IOU). Supported through IOU’s 1 Million African Scholarships (1MAS) initiative, these students have received scholarships that carried them through every stage of their studies. Now, they are just one semester away from graduating. All they need is a little help to reach the finish line.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "When a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him." (Sunan an-Nasa'i)

The campaign is Zakah-eligible and a beautiful form of Sadaqah Jaariyah. Every contribution helps a student complete their education and continues to benefit others through the knowledge they spread and the lives they uplift.

1MAS Scholarship Students Across Africa Graduating in February 2026

The 1MAS vision: to educate one million African students.

The 1 Million African Scholarships (1MAS) project is an initiative of the International Open University dedicated to transforming lives through accessible, high-quality higher education from an Islamic perspective. Launched in 2017, 1MAS was created with a bold vision; to educate one million African students.

Through fully funded university scholarships, IOU provides disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to earn accredited degrees, gain valuable skills, and build sustainable livelihoods. By opening doors to higher education, the 1MAS project helps break the cycle of poverty and empower students who otherwise would never afford a university education, students from rural villages, low-income families, and conflict-affected regions. They go on to uplift their families, communities, and nations and become well-rounded leaders.

$200 per student helps them cross the finish line and graduate

Only one semester stands between 138 current 1MAS scholarship students and graduation. Each student needs US$200 to complete their degree and begin transforming their lives and inshaAllah, the lives of others in their communities.

You helped these students graduate—now help the next 138 cross the finish line!

The 1MAS Impact to Date

Since launching the 1MAS initiative, the International Open University has touched thousands of lives across Africa and beyond—opening doors to higher education, hope, and a better future. Here’s a glimpse of what your support has made possible.

Meet the students who are at the brink of Graduation!

Meet Usman from Kaduna, Nigeria — a future graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Islamic Economics, Banking & Finance.

“I come from a poor family of 23 with little hope, and as the eldest, the responsibility of my siblings weighs heavily on me because my parents are old. After completing my secondary school, it became almost impossible for me to further my studies due to financial hardship. I had to quit studying, and I'm struggling to provide for my family and my siblings as well as my two old parents. But Alhamdulillah, the IOU 1MAS Scholarship through the Zaria Learning Centre revived my hope. Without this support, I could not have taken even a single step forward in my educational journey. May Allah continue to assist, bless, and uplift IOU for this life-changing opportunity.

IOU opened my eyes in ways I had never imagined. The knowledge I have acquired so far has already started benefiting me, and I believe, by Allah’s will, it will continue to shape my future. My dream is to become an entrepreneur, and with the knowledge I am acquiring from IOU, I am already seeing how it will help me build a brighter future for myself, my family, and my community at large.”

Meet Alkali from Soma, Gambia — a future graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

"I was born in a big family of farmers and shepherds; I am among the first generations to go to school in my family. It was very difficult without help from anyone. My Fula tribe does not believe in going to school, and they don't care what a student needs. The pressure was high, but the pursuit of something that was never in my family (education) kept me on my feet. Hunger, stress and fatigue were then the biggest companions, but anytime I thought of my parents and the sacrifice they made to let me go to school, I felt encouraged and energetic.

IOU strengthened my perspective. I am always a believer in helping people in the ways of Allah, and IOU has been a clear manifestation of that. They have impacted so many lives, and I pray that Allah continues to help them and many others who dedicated their lives and time to help people achieve their dreams Islamically. I believe receiving this scholarship was destined. I can't imagine my life without it."

Usman and Alkali’s story represents thousands like them, students who are determined to break cycles of poverty through education.

Make a commitment today: Help a  deserving Student and Be Part of Their Graduation Story

The Prophet ﷺ said, “If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]

Your donation will go directly towards helping IOU’s 1MAS scholarship students complete their final semester and graduate. 

Sponsor a Student: Every dollar counts. With just US$200, you can help a student cross the finish line and earn their degree.
 

Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your friends, family, and community. The more people who know, the greater the impact.

By supporting this campaign you are empowering future teachers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Together, we can turn these students’ last semester into their first step toward transforming the Ummah.

Any funds raised beyond the US$30,000 goal will be allocated towards supporting other deserving 1MAS students.