Iqra Center for Professional and Technical Qualification
Thirty years serving the employability of UIN students — since 1995
About the Center
The Iqra Center for Professional and Technical Qualification (معهد اقرأ للتأهيل المهني والفني) is one of the scientific institutions affiliated with the Islamic University of Niger. It trains students in several professions in high demand in the region, in order to improve their chances on the job market after obtaining their university degree.
Opened in 1995 with four founding technical workshops, the Center has experienced significant expansion over its thirty years of existence. It now has six active departments and has trained 7,943 graduates (6,550 men and 1,393 women) across 29 successive cohorts.
Our Mission
To offer university graduates an opportunity for a dignified life by complementing their academic qualification with practical professional training. This dual competence facilitates their social integration, allows them to compete effectively on the job market, and enables them to actively participate in their country's development.
Our Core Values
Employability
We train for employment with programs aligned with market needs and strong partnerships with local businesses.
Practical Quality
Applied practical training in equipped workshops, complementing the academic training provided by the faculties.
Social Inclusion
Dedicated program for school dropouts, opening real professional opportunities to young people who have interrupted their studies.
Stages of Our Evolution
Thirty years of progressive expansion
Since opening in 1995, the Iqra Center has continuously expanded its offerings to better meet the needs of students and the region.
Opening of the Center
Launch with 4 technical workshops: automobile mechanics, refrigeration and air conditioning, general electricity, welding and metal construction.
Driving School
Launch of the driving program in partnership with a Niamey driving school — Category B license.
School Re-engagement Program
Opening of the department dedicated to young people who have interrupted their studies — 3-year technical training.
Reform by the Rector
New vision: addition of living languages (French/English), business management, and mandatory enrollment for all students of the Sharia and Arabic Language faculties.
Our Departments
6 active departments serving professional qualification
Technical Department
The founding department (1995) — 7 equipped technical workshops. For boys at Saay, except sewing for girls at Niamey.
- Automobile mechanics
- Refrigeration and air conditioning
- General electricity
- Welding and metal construction
- Carpentry
- Satellite antennas
- Sewing and embroidery (for girls only — Niamey)
Computer Science Department
Teaching of various computer programs. Mandatory enrollment for all students of the Sharia and Arabic Language faculties (Saay and Niamey).
- 5 teaching sections (A, B, C, D, E)
- Fundamental computer programs
- Mixed: male students at Saay and female students at Niamey
Living Languages Department
Created in 2019-2020 as part of the new vision. Strengthens students' communication in the international languages most present in the region.
- French
- English
- Mandatory enrollment for all students
Business Management and SME Creation
Program created in 2019-2020. Allows students to capitalize on their training at the Center to create their own projects, achieve financial independence, and generate employment.
- Business management
- Creation of small and medium-sized enterprises
- 2 sections (A and B)
School Re-engagement
Opened in 2014-2015. Aimed at young boys whose circumstances did not allow them to continue their studies. 6 cohorts trained by the end of 2023-2024.
- Automobile mechanics
- Refrigeration and air conditioning
- General electricity
- Welding and metal construction
- Basic courses: Islamic education, Arabic, French, mathematics
Driving School
Launched in 2012-2013 in partnership with a Niamey driving school — instructors and vehicles dispatched to Saay. Reduced rates for students, employees and professors. 12 cohorts by the end of 2023-2024.
- Category B driving license
- Highway code
- Sessions on the Saay campus
Study System
Two regimes adapted to the target audience
UIN Students (Boys and Girls)
4 years • 8 semesters
The regime runs in parallel with the system of university faculties.
Classes held in the afternoon (students attend their faculty courses in the morning). Exception: on Fridays and Saturdays, the Center operates in the morning.
Level 1
Enrollment in a technical specialty — study for 1 year (2 semesters)
Level 2
Re-enrollment in the same technical specialty to complete training
Level 3
Transfer to the IT Department — 1 year (2 semesters)
Level 4
Transfer to the Living Languages Department (1 year) + Business Management module over 1 semester
School Re-engagement Students
3 years • 6 semesters
Regime for young people who have interrupted their schooling.
Morning classes, 4 days per week. 08:00-10:00: Islamic education, Arabic, French, mathematics. 10:30-13:00: technical workshops (theory + practice).
Available workshops: automobile mechanics, refrigeration and air conditioning, general electricity, welding.
Center Diploma
Training is sanctioned by an academic certificate signed by the University Rector and the Center Director, bilingual (Arabic + French OR Arabic + English), accompanied by a transcript signed by the Director.
The Center in Numbers
2024-2025 data
Direction and Supervision
Center Direction
Iqra Center Direction
Direction of the Center for Professional and Technical Qualification
The Iqra Center is led by an experienced team dedicated to the professional and technical training of students of the Islamic University of Niger. The direction works to continuously expand the Center's offerings to better meet the needs of the job market and the economic ambitions of the region.
Two Campuses
Headquarters (Saay): male students and school re-engagement
Niamey: female students — King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Complex
Special Programs
Our Graduates
7,943 professionals trained over 29 cohorts (1995 — 2024)
Our Impact
For three decades, the Iqra Center has actively contributed to the development of professional skills in Niger. Our graduates find their place in all sectors of the national economy and participate in the country's growth.
Graduates by Academic Year
| Academic year | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-1996 | 44 | — | 44 |
| 1996-1997 | 62 | — | 62 |
| 1997-1998 | 58 | — | 58 |
| 1998-1999 | 71 | — | 71 |
| 1999-2000 | 58 | — | 58 |
| 2000-2001 | 120 | — | 120 |
| 2001-2002 | 161 | — | 161 |
| 2002-2003 | 162 | — | 162 |
| 2003-2004 | 142 | 28 | 170 |
| 2004-2005 | 147 | 29 | 176 |
| 2005-2006 | 90 | 21 | 111 |
| 2006-2007 | 140 | 41 | 181 |
| 2007-2008 | 287 | 22 | 309 |
| 2008-2009 | 166 | 43 | 209 |
| 2009-2010 | 292 | 42 | 334 |
| 2010-2011 | 264 | — | 264 |
| 2011-2012 | 253 | — | 253 |
| 2012-2013 | 395 | 112 | 507 |
| 2013-2014 | 409 | 81 | 490 |
| 2014-2015 | 160 | 92 | 252 |
| 2015-2016 | 261 | 87 | 348 |
| 2016-2017 | 383 | 122 | 505 |
| 2017-2018 | 423 | 106 | 529 |
| 2018-2019 | 548 | 195 | 743 |
| 2019-2020 | 556 | 107 | 663 |
| 2020-2021 | 131 | 87 | 218 |
| 2021-2022 | 297 | 40 | 337 |
| 2022-2023 | 202 | 81 | 283 |
| 2023-2024 | 268 | 57 | 325 |
| TOTAL | 6 550 | 1 393 | 7 943 |