The International University of Africa (I.U.A) is a unique pan African educational institution drawing students from over 50 countries worldwide. It is an international institution which is founded to foster human development in Africa through provision of opportunities of higher education to Africans communities, particularly in the sub-Saharan countries. The university lies in South Khartoum beside the motor highway to Port Sudan ( The main sea port in Sudan). It has 15 faculties and specialized institutions. Due to its location and cultural history the Sudan has been hosting a steady flow of groups from neighboring countries who were either in pursuit of knowledge or were on their way to perform pilgrimage. Some stayed behind either with a shaykh ( religious leader) of fleeing religious persecution which set in as a result of European colonization. Others were forced by incessant wars to seek refuge and education in the Sudan. In 1978 a number of scholars set up the Islamic African Institute with popular effort. The Institute began by accepting African students at the intermediate and secondary levels. But after only two years this project was stopped.