The private Islamic University Rotterdam has been placed under special supervision by education ministry inspectors and the quality of its courses is under investigation, news agency ANP says on Friday.

This includes a review of the way in which the university’s vision on ‘citizenship and social integration’ is put into practice, education minister Jet Bussemaker said in answer to MPs questions. Potential foreign funding is also being looked into.

If the research shows a need for intervention, Bussemaker said she would ‘not hesitate to take that step’.

In addition, the university’s rector has been spoken to about ‘potentially anti-western and undemocratic’ comments by its rector Ahmet Akgündüz, Bussemaker said.

Nevertheless, the minister’s powers to intervene at the school are limited because it is a private institution.

However, the minister said she is working on legislation which will ensure that private educational institutes are also required to ensure students are aware of their social responsibilities.

The university teaches officially recognised courses in Islamic theology and pastoral care.