Burao University (also known as the University of Burao, abbreviated as UB) is a public university located in Burao, the capital city of the Togdheer region in Somalia (within the self-declared republic of Somaliland). It was established on 27 September 2004 as an independent, community-based higher education institution.
Overview
The university was founded in response to the lack of local higher education opportunities following the closure of the Somali National University's Lafoole College due to civil war. Its motto is "Cilmi, Iimaan, Tacab" (Knowledge, Faith, Effort). The institution is governed by the Togdheer Development Committee (TDC) and a Board of Trustees composed of community members, including businessmen, professionals, and former officials.
Campuses
The main campus is located in the northwestern Shacab suburb of Burao, approximately two kilometers from the city center, on a fenced area of about 3.75 hectares (9.3 acres). Facilities include classrooms, ICT and science laboratories, a library, a printing press, a sports ground, a guest house, a mosque, and multiple specialized labs (engineering, veterinary). The university also has branches in other districts such as Sheikh, Aynabo, and Oodweyne.
Faculties and Departments
Burao University comprises more than 10 faculties and departments, including:
- Faculty of Animal Science & Agriculture
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Business Administration, Public Management and Economics
- Faculty of Information Communication Technology
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Languages
- Faculty of Sharia & Law
- Faculty of Community Development
- Faculty of Engineering
- School of Rural Development and Somali Studies
- Department of Research, Training and Short Courses
- Center for Somali Studies
- Institute of Rural Development and Environmental Studies
Student Body and Staff
As of recent data, the university enrolls over 2,500 students and has graduated more than 7,000 students since its founding. It employs over 100 regular staff and more than 300 teaching staff. The first class graduated from Burao secondary schools in 2003, and the university was established the following year to offer them local higher education opportunities.
Affiliations and Recognition
In 2016, Burao University was selected as a member of the Association of Arab Universities. It has over 45 partners and affiliations. The university has fundraising and technical support groups in countries across the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Notable Initiatives
- A bio-gas initiative conducted by the Faculty of Veterinary students.
- Web development research carried out by the Faculty of ICT students.
Administration
- President: Ibrahim Osman Ismail
- Vice-Chancellor: Dr. Eisse Nour Liban
- Chairman of the Board: Mohamud Adan Dheri (former governor)
Website
The official website is www.uob-edu.net.
