General Duke Posted July 1, 2003 East Africa University (EAU) Preamble: With the view that Somalia's decades-long civil war had effectuated a major destruction of everything Somalia would have proud of including the public utilities and the urgent need to be reversed this situation, East Africa University (EAU) was founded in Puntland State of Somalia. Puntland State of Somalia which came into being as a result of political and social realignment of the Somalia prompted by the civil war and which accounts for one-third of Somalia in terms of population and land mass, had had a historical neglect and deprivation. To redress this unpleasant situation and imbalance, EAU was founded with the understanding Somalia's current ills emanate from lack of proper education. Against that backdrop EAU has the objective of becoming the first stepping stone in putting an effective important educational system in this war-ravaged country. Name East Africa University East Africa University (EAU) was originally Bander-Qassim University. However, after a long discussion and many requests from concerned individuals and scholars from the State, the new name “East Africa University” (EAU) was agreed upon. Historical Development of EAU After several meetings with some intellectuals from Puntland, the decision was taken to create a university for the people of Puntland. After many discussions and meetings, it had been scheduled that the construction of the university is to be started in early 1999. First enrollment of 95 students from the high schools was consummated as early as October 23, 1999. Intensive courses like Arabic, English and Math classes were introduced first so as to reinforce students' educational capability. Preparatory classes continued until May 23, 2000. On January 10, 2000 the university successfully opened the Faculty of Islamic Law and the Faculty of Business Administration. Location East Africa University is located in the port city of Bosaso, the commercial center of Puntland State. The campus of the university, which occupies 49.19 hectares of land, just five km from from city center. Bosaso was chosen at the university's site on the grounds of its large population and commercial importance. Being a port city, it attracts a large population from other parts of Somalia The first stone of the university building was laid on Wednesday, January 3, 2000. In the stone-laying ceremony, Puntland State officials led by Gen. Osman Mohamed (Osman fitiig), , some Issims (community leaders), community elders, business people, and many academia from the region of Bari, participated. The land and building The University has a large campus occupying 49,1952 square meters or 49.19 hectares. So far, the University has six major buildings with the following specifications and uses: First building Sixteen classrooms, each 56 square meters. Five offices, each 16 square meters. Twelve restrooms and two wudu (ablution) areas. Second building Library, 272 square meters. Women’s library, 80 square meters. Conference hall, 132 square meters. Two offices, each 16 square meters. Two restrooms. A boarding hall is situated on campus with restaurants for student use. Faculties EAU has two faculties: Faculty of Law, Sharia, and Islamic Studies. It’s principal language is Arabic. Faculty of Business Administration. Principal language is English. The school years start September 1st and end in June, and is divided into two semesters of sixteen weeks each. EAU is closed for two- and half- month break each year. It is open five days a week from Saturday to Wednesday and daily lectures run from 3:30pm to 8:15pm. Though classes are now available only in the afternoon and early evening, plans for morning classes are underway. Increased enrollment is dependent on teaching availability and funding. Graduating students are awarded a Bachelor’s degree. Justification for Founding and objectives Taking in into consideration the urgent need to meet the demand for higher education in the State of Puntland of Somalia following the devastating civil war. EAU was founded with the following objectives: To meet the demand for higher education in the state of Puntland which accounts for one-third of Somalia in terms of population and land mass, and to rectify educational imbalance which existed or still existing in Somali regions before the civil war, and putting in place an effective higher education mechanism To accommodate the high school graduates in the region and bring higher education in close proximity to their homes. The number of high school graduates is increasing year after year as the basic education system is picking up in Puntland. To create an environment conducive to the academic activities which attracts and encourages the Somali intellectuals to return back to their motherland, in a bid to reverse the brain-drain Somalia has been subjected to by the decades of civil war and subsequent migration. To train educators who would contribute to the overall mechanism of standard educational system in the region. Curriculum and Academic Titles Awarded The Bachelor program is four-year long broken up into 8 semesters, and the students are awarded a Bachelor's degree after the completion of their education. Finance Operating expenses of EAU consist of: construction costs operational costs Construction funding comes from Ihyaa al-turas of Kuwait and Somali Diaspora as well as from donar countries like Europe, US, Canada and Arabic countries. Operational costs will come from student fees and a community fund. It is important to mention that computers, overhead projectors, generators, boarding materials and reference books, which are from Somali communities in Norway, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, have all been donated. Prof. A/rahman Omar Warsame from Riyad University and Engineer Ahmed Ali Yusuf, president of a Somali relief origination, donated a variety of books. EAU is awaiting for the arrival of donated books and other materials from Diaspora. New Student Requirements To possess a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Absent from school for no more than three months. Provide a health certificate. ID card from the students’ municipality. pay $15.00 of registration fee, and $300.00 of annual tuition fee. Completed application with declaration of student’s faculty of interest. ANNEX A. University Board EAU consists of two committees in addition to the teaching staff and subordinate staff: Board of Directors Board of Promotors Board of Directors Mr. Mohamed Muse Geel-Hoor Abshir Said Farah Eng.Mohamed A/kadir Mohamud Eng. Mohamed Hosh Godane Gen. Osman Mohamed ( Fatig ) Dr. yusuf Xirsi Ahmed Prof. A/kadir Mohamed Abullahi Prof. Ahmed Haji A/rahman Eng. A/rahman Husien Ahmed ( Ceel-Jaale ) Board of Promotors Dr. A/kadir Mohame Abdullahi Dr. Ahmed Haji A/raxman Yusuf A/asis Mohamed Mohamed Ali Farah A/risak Ahmed Sh.Mohamud Bahiir Khalid Husein A/wali A/rahman Gayre B. How You Can Help EAU Donate money through fundraisers or private donation. The organization where donations can be made and the mailing address will be available soon. Watch this web site for updated information. Donate books, classroom supplies, paper, writing implements, computers, equipment, etc. Return to Somalia and start teaching again. Come home and share your expertise with your fellow country people. Lobbying the aid through international aid organizations and international universities and other donor organizations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted July 1, 2003 http://www.puntlanduniversity.com/ Visit website and help in fundraising Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilhaan003sistah Posted July 4, 2003 I think the topic you brought was great thing to discuss and educate people about. So far at the UNiversity I go to we're doing book collection, and we're still doing our best to support those people who attend the university because they're the future of somali. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
General Duke Posted July 4, 2003 Many thanks sister Ilhan Education is the most important thing we can give our people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xalimo7 Posted July 4, 2003 Wondefull, i am all for that and more, hope the rest of the so called somalis participate, and show where their deed goes. Remember we always spent $ dollars for a cup of coffee,this will help the young somalie generation ,the non corrupt minds of our future, so help! see you, am around dude Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites