The College of Islamic and Arabic Studies (CIAS), an integral academic unit of the University, was established to address the critical need for strengthening Islamic Education and promoting specialized studies across the Tawi-Tawi region and the broader Southern Philippine archipelago. Its history is a testament to the institution's enduring commitment to merging academic excellence with spiritual and cultural preservation.
Excellence in Islamic and Arabic Education
Merging academic excellence with spiritual and cultural preservation since 1992
Est. 1992
MSU-TCTO Vision
A university in the Sulu Archipelago renowned for Fisheries, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and other disciplines.
MSU-TCTO Mission
Under its charter of 1969 (RA 6060), MSU-TCTO is mandated to:
Provide relevant quality education especially for the Muslims and other indigenous groups.
Promote Environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of fisheries and marine resources.
Develop and transfer new knowledge and innovative technologies to the community.
Engage stakeholders in peace and socio-economic development endeavors.
CIAS Goals
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To produce God-fearing graduates who will demonstrate excellence in Islamic education of peace, justice and leadership.
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To produce graduates who will be model of knowledge and character worth emulating by their learners and the young people in the community.
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To meet the demands for balanced quality education by producing highly competent Islamic teachers and law practitioners as needed by the region and the country.
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To produce graduates who will uphold, impart and practice the role of the language of the Holy Qur'an in instruction, research and extension services.
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To provide training extension services on Islamic culture and strengthen the socio-cultural awareness and socio-economic development of the community.
CIAS Objectives
1.
To emphasize Islam not only as part of the Muslim Filipino culture but also as a religion of peace and a complete way of life.
2.
To develop the Muslim students as good and law-abiding citizens of the republic and productive partners in nation-building.
3.
To serve as a catalyst for global integration and mutual understanding towards peaceful co-existence between the Muslims and Non-Muslims.
4.
To train and produce graduates to be well grounded in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence in preparation for taking and passing the Shariah Bar Examination.
5.
To train and produce graduates to be practicing Muslims who will be active in propagating Islam as a way of life that calls for peace and abhors violent extremism.
6.
To train and produce graduates to be peace builders and advocates who will work and strive for peaceful co-existence among different tribal and religious people.
7.
To equip graduates with leadership skills for moral governance and spiritual guidance of the people of Philippine society working in congruence with the Philippine democratic system.
1992 - 2005
The Foundational Era: SPCIST
The college was formally founded in 1992 as the Southern Philippines Center for Islamic Studies and Training (SPCIST). This initiative was spearheaded by Prof. Ibrahim M. Darul, who served as the OIC-Chairman under the leadership of then-Chancellor Dr. Felimon G. Romero.
The establishment was a direct response to the community's demand for an institutionalized approach to Islamic scholarship, beginning with: Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (ABIS - General).
1995 - 2005
Growth and Academic Expansion
A significant period of growth began with the appointment of Prof. Ahmad Alih. A. Bud as the Center's first Dean in 1995. The curriculum expanded rapidly, introducing three vital new programs:
Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies in Shari'ah Major in Islamic Jurisprudence
Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies Major in Islamic History
Bachelor of Science in Teaching Arabic
2005
Institutional Renaming and Vision
A major institutional shift occurred in 2005 when the college was officially renamed the College of Islamic and Arabic Studies (CIAS).
That same year, CIAS pioneered an innovative integrated education model, leading to the establishment of the Childhood Integrated Learning Development School (CHILDS) on December 3, 2005, serving as the college's laboratory school.
2018 - Present
Quality Assurance & Modernization
The college has continuously focused on quality assurance and external validation:
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AACCUP Level II Accreditation - December 2, 2024
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CHED COPC - November 5, 2022
✓
ISO Certification - April 29, 2024
✓
Graduate Studies: Master of Arts in Islamic Education (BOR Res. 128 s. 2023)
Leadership Timeline
Prof. Ibrahim M. Darul(OIC-Chairman)
1992-1995
Prof. Ahmad Alih. A. Bud(First Dean)
1995-2006
Prof. Amilhussin S. Jalilulah2008-2010
Prof. Magsaysay S. Werble2010-2017
Prof. Muktar A. Mohammad Tahir2018-2019
Prof. Almira A. Hadji, MAEdAug 2019-Feb 2025
Assoc. Prof. Najeeb Razul A. Sali, Ph.D.(Current Dean)
Mar 2025-Present
A New Chapter of Institutional Strengthening
The appointment of Associate Professor Najeeb Razul A. Sali, Ph.D. as the Acting Dean marks a crucial period for CIAS. His leadership is tasked with preserving the college's foundational mission while navigating the demands of contemporary educational standards and institutional compliance, ensuring CIAS continues its vital role in developing scholars, educators, and leaders for the region.
Our Impact in Numbers
Discover the scale of our academic excellence and community impact
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