Islamic University of Minnesota Awards Researcher Yusuf Sheikho Ph.D.

The Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at the Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center held, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the scientific defense session for the doctoral dissertation submitted by Yusuf Bakr Sheikho from Ethiopia, titled: "Islamic Banks in Ethiopia Between Theory and Practice - A Case Study of Oromia Cooperative Bank of Development”.

The dissertation was presented in fulfillment of the requirements for obtaining the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Islamic Economics and Banking from the College of Economics and Business Administration.

This study comes within the framework of the growing global interest in Islamic economics and its applications in African countries. The researcher examined the reality of Islamic banking in Ethiopia and the challenges it faces, focusing on the Oromia Cooperative Bank of Development as a prominent model of Sharia-compliant financing.

The defense was conducted via ZOOM in a rich academic atmosphere marked by constructive dialogue and scholarly engagement. During the session, the researcher presented his main findings and recommendations, which contribute to the development of the Islamic banking system and the promotion of its role in economic growth.

The defense committee was composed of the following members:

• Dr. Zaid Nawaf Al-Dweiri, Head of the Department of Economics and Islamic Banking Committee Chair.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rania Amer, Faculty Member - Dissertation Supervisor.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Imad Adnan Mtyouri, Faculty Member - Internal Examiner.
• Dr. Raed Hassan Bani Issa, Faculty Member – External Examiner.

The session featured an engaging academic discussion with valuable comments and constructive feedback aimed at enhancing the scholarly quality of the research, reflecting the university’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and supporting specialized studies in Islamic economics and banking.

At the conclusion of the session, the committee unanimously approved awarding Yusuf Bakr Sheikho the Ph.D. degree, commending his rigorous research methodology and the depth of his academic analysis. The committee also extended its best wishes for his continued success in his academic and professional journey in service of his country and community.