Universities are the cradles of knowledge, and just as nations have flags and emblems, universities adopt flags that reflect their identity within the framework of the nation's civilization, and emblems that summarize their ideals and goals. Generally, a university's scholarship is born with its establishment as a distinct institution. However, this rule did not apply to the University of Khartoum, as it was not founded as a university from the outset, as is the case with modern universities, but rather reached its current status in 1956. We see that the university's development was gradual. This did not attract the attention of those in charge of the university, who failed to recognize the importance of having a distinctive flag or emblem to guide them. The university, a prominent and recognized institution, embodies its founding principles and philosophy. Even in my first year as administrator in 1962, I did not lack a flag or emblem. However, I noticed this lack in the second year, specifically in September 1963, when the university hosted the first conference of African university rectors. It was on that occasion that the importance of the university having a flag and emblem to identify it on such events, and to serve as a symbol distinguishing its certificates, publications, and uniforms, became clear to me. Thus, the idea was born—but I did not rush its implementation. I believed that the flag and emblem should originate within the university itself, reflecting the values inherent in the university. Initially, I ruled out putting the matter up for public competition. I began to consider it carefully, involving the artist Ibrahim El-Salhi in the process.
Over the days, my thoughts revolved around four key elements:
- Open-ended knowledge, symbolized by the open book. The fertility of our land, the generosity of our people, and the cradle of our civilization are symbolized by the Nile and its two branches: the Blue Nile and the White Nile.
- The renaissance of modern education in Sudan is represented by the establishment of the first modern school, which gradually developed into a complex of higher schools, then a university college, and finally a university.
- A motto in words that encompass the ultimate goal: God Almighty, and Truth, which represents the means by which the nation is built and humanity progresses.
God, Truth, Nation, Humanity
