Dr. Rukia is a distinguished Lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), with a specialisation in public health. She brings extensive academic, professional, and leadership experience to her role as Head of the Nursing Department. Dr. Rukia holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health and a Master of Public Health, both from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam. She further holds a Diploma in Health Personnel Education from CEDHA, Arusha, and a Certificate in Nursing and Midwifery from the College of Health Sciences, Mbweni, Zanzibar. Beyond her academic responsibilities, Dr. Rukia serves as Chairperson of the Advisory Board at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital and is an active member of both the Zanzibar Nurses Association (ZANA) and the Zanzibar Biosafety Committee (ZABICO).