Islamic University of Minnesota Awards Ph.D. to Researcher Mohammed Abu Bakr
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The College of Educational Sciences at the Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center - held a public defense of a doctoral dissertation submitted by researcher Mohammed Abu Bakr, entitled: "School Strategic Planning and Its Role in Enhancing the Efficiency of Arab Islamic School Principals in the Republic of Mali: The Gao Academy as a Case Study."
The dissertation defense was conducted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, via Zoom, with the participation of academics, researchers, and professionals interested in educational affairs. The event was organized as part of the University’s commitment to supporting scientific research and promoting specialized studies in educational administration and leadership.
The dissertation examined the role of school strategic planning in improving the administrative and leadership performance of principals of Arab Islamic schools in Mali through an applied study focusing on the Gao Academy. The research sought to identify effective approaches for enhancing institutional efficiency and improving the quality of educational and administrative performance within educational institutions.
The study represents a valuable scholarly contribution to the field of educational administration, addressing key challenges related to the development of educational systems in West Africa. It offers scientifically grounded recommendations and strategic perspectives aimed at strengthening planning practices within schools and improving educational outcomes.
The dissertation defense committee was chaired by Assistant Professor Dr. Hiba Tawfiq Abu Ayada, Head of the Department of Educational Administration. The dissertation was supervised by Dr. Talat Nageh Talat Ismail. Committee members also included Professor Dr. Sharif Mohammed as the internal examiner and Dr. Mohammed Al-Zoubi as the external examiner.
The defense session featured extensive academic discussions on the scientific and methodological aspects of the study. Committee members provided valuable observations and recommendations that contributed to enriching the research and enhancing its academic value.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, the committee commended the researcher for his distinguished scholarly efforts and praised the findings and recommendations presented in the dissertation, noting their potential contribution to the advancement of educational and administrative practices. The committee subsequently approved the dissertation and awarded the researcher the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Administration, in recognition of the high academic standard demonstrated throughout his research work.
