The Official History of Imam Malik Islamic Institute
The history of the institute begins with the founding of Samboudoukati Association in 1960. Its first headquarters was located in Banjul, in the house of Alhaji Musa Njai (may Allah have mercy on him) at 16 Lemon Street. When the place became too small, the association moved to the house of Alhaji Saibo Tankara on Lancaster Street.
Education began in the traditional kuttab (Qur’anic school) style, with students attending morning and evening sessions.
A chronological view of the milestones recorded in the institute's history.
Each chapter below is drawn from the institute's recorded history.
The history of the institute begins with the founding of Samboudoukati Association in 1960. Its first headquarters was located in Banjul, in the house of Alhaji Musa Njai (may Allah have mercy on him) at 16 Lemon Street. When the place became too small, the association moved to the house of Alhaji Saibo Tankara on Lancaster Street.
Education began in the traditional kuttab (Qur’anic school) style, with students attending morning and evening sessions.
In 1996, the institute shifted from the traditional kuttab system to a formal academic system. The teachers at that time were:
The primary stage (Grades 1–3) was opened in Banjul and continued until the year 2000. At that time, the institute was known as “Samboudoukati Islamic School”.
In 2001, the association opened a new school in Kanifing, starting with Grade 5. Its name was:
“The Islamic School for Qur’an Memorization and the Study of Islamic and Modern Sciences Samboudoukati Association Kanifing”.Later, the school in Banjul along with its students and teachers moved to Kanifing, led by the Deputy Director Ustaz Ousman Muhammad Samba Drammeh, after Director Malamin Jagna traveled to the United States. Drammeh then assumed full responsibility for managing the school.
By 2002, the school had reached Grade 6. In 2003, the junior secondary level was opened. The first graduating class completed their studies in 2008/2009, consisting of eight male students.
The institute witnessed significant growth with the arrival of two teachers in October 2004:
In 2005, the name of the institute was officially changed to:
“Imam Malik Islamic Institute”based on a suggestion from Dr. Fodi Baba Jagna while he was a student at the Islamic University in Madinah.
The names below are preserved from the recorded history of the institute.
The teachers during this early period were:
Teachers during this period were:
The history recorded here reflects a continuing journey of learning, service, and community.
Knowledge is Light, Action is Worship