Uch Sharif, a nearby ancient town, had one of the largest universities where scholars from all over the world used to come for studies. As a continuation of that tradition, Jamia Abbasia was established in Bahawalpur in the year 1925, following the academic pursuits of Jamia Al-Azhar, Egypt. The renowned scholars spread Islam by teaching Tafseer of Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and History along with other
contemporary subjects. In view of the changing scenario, Jamia Abbasia was declared as a chartered University in the year 1975, and renamed as The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Initially, it started functioning at Abbasia and Khawaja Fareed Campuses with ten Departments. In order to construct a modern and self-contained campus, 1250 acres of sandy land was acquired by the University on Hasilpur Road about eight kilometers away from the city center. Over a period of time with continuous efforts and hard work, the sand dunes have been converted into well-built faculties, green lawns, hostels, residential colony, farms and orchards. It is known as Baghdad-ul-Jadeed Campus. Currently, there are 60 Department offering 127 programs. Apart from conventional disciplines of Religious Affairs, Languages, Social and Basic Sciences; education is being imparted in the areas of Business Administration, Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Computer, Law, Education, Fine Arts, Pharmacy, Life Sciences and Sports Sciences. The University values quality education rather than quantity. A team of highly qualified and committed faculty members have been engaged to achieve this end. Moreover, the research has been made cornerstone of our educational philosophy. Throughout its history, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur offered its students undergraduate and post graduate education characterized by breadth and flexibility, under pinned by academic excellence. Graduates from this University are expected to display imagination, quick-thinking and intellectual discipline; qualities that fit in well with the aims of National Educational Policy. The University is driving the process of knowledge transfer, business development & technology enhancement into the heart of the economy of Southern Punjab. The University is also helping to meet the need for highly trained individuals, scholars and researchers throughout the country. The IUB is not an ivory tower but is fully engaged to drive the regional economy and society. The talented students will not only graduate in an increasingly multi-national, multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic world, but will also be enterprising, creative and innovative. The University is enabling students to develop and apply their subject-based skills in an international arena and an exchange program is enabling students to undertake work experience in highly professional institutes, giving them transferable skills. Performance indicators show that 85% of graduates from the University are in employment or studying further and also serving at the government-set benchmarks.
