UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Strengthens Global Reach with the First Student from Africa through the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellence Scholarship 2025
Cirebon, June 25, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) located on the fifth floor held an important meeting with a new international student from Senegal, West Africa, named Babou Seck. He was warmly welcomed by the Global Engagement team led by the Head of the International Office, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D.. The meeting marked a significant step in the onboarding process of students selected through the SN-GES 2025 (Syekh Nurjati Global Excellent Scholarship) program. Babou attended the session together with his parental guardian to complete several formal procedures before officially starting his academic journey. This event also symbolizes UINSSC’s growing success in attracting global talents.
Babou Seck was admitted after going through a rigorous selection process, including an interview conducted by the UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon through its International Office. The evaluation was thorough, ensuring that prospective students have strong motivation, academic potential, and alignment with the university’s values. “We are proud to welcome international students like Babou who not only show academic excellence but also demonstrate a strong desire to learn in an inclusive Islamic educational environment,” said Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. during his opening remarks. He added that this achievement proves how the SN-GES scholarship program has successfully drawn attention from African countries.
During the meeting, Babou and his parental guardian signed the contract letter stating his commitment to study for four years at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati. In addition, they completed the parental permission document, confirming family support for his studies abroad. These administrative steps are part of the standard procedures handled by the International Office before a student is officially registered. The International Office provided detailed explanations regarding rights and responsibilities to prevent any future misunderstandings. Such transparency is essential to ensure smooth cooperation between the university and international students or their families.
Babou Seck is the first student from Senegal to be accepted into UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon under the SN-GES 2025 program. He chose to pursue Sharia Economics because he believes in its relevance to modern economic challenges. “I believe that Islamic economics can offer solutions for many countries, including those in Africa,” Babou shared during the session.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., expressed his hope that the presence of Babou is expected to pave the way for broader collaborations between UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and educational institutions in Senegal and across Africa. The International Office is currently exploring opportunities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with universities in the region. This aligns with the university's vision to become a globally recognized Islamic institution with an inclusive approach. With students like Babou joining the campus, UINSSC's reputation continues to grow internationally. “This is just the beginning of more strategic and sustainable partnerships,” concluded Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D.
The International Office remains committed to providing comprehensive support to international students, from admissions, orientation, to ongoing guidance throughout their studies. Every process is designed to ensure that international students not only succeed academically but also feel socially and culturally supported. Babou’s success serves as inspiration for students from other countries to consider joining UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. With initiatives like these, UIN Siber is steadily positioning itself as a truly global and human-centered university.
Author: Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna