Draft:The Unity University (Hargeisa Campus)
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Unity University (TUU) is a private higher education institution based in Hargeisa, Somaliland. It was inaugurated in September 2021 by the PLO Lumumba Foundation, established by Kenyan academic and lawyer Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno (P.L.O.) Lumumba. TUU provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is registered with Somaliland’s education authorities.
History
[edit | edit source]Unity University was inaugurated on 12 September 2021 in Hargeisa. The ceremony was attended by local government officials, members of parliament, political party representatives, and members of the public.[1]. The PLO Lumumba Foundation stated that the university’s establishment was part of its broader goal to increase access to higher education in Africa[2] . During the inauguration, Professor Lumumba emphasized the importance of creating educational institutions that reflect Africa’s own development priorities [1]
In early 2022, the Foundation granted a full humanitarian scholarship to a student from a low-income background in Somaliland.[3]. In June 2022, the Foundation donated ten computer sets to the Somaliland National Commission for Higher Education to support digital learning in public institutions [4].
In May 2025, Prof. Lumumba announced that Unity University had surpassed 1,300 enrolled students and expressed plans to establish a Pan-African Institute in Somaliland [5].
Academic Programs
[edit | edit source]Unity University offers instruction in English across multiple faculties:
Undergraduate Programs
- Faculty of Social Sciences: BA in International Relations, Public Administration, Social Work, Project Planning, and Public Relations
- Faculty of Business & Management: BA in Accounting, Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Banking, Procurement, Marketing
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences: BSc in Public Health, Nutrition, and Health Service Management
- Faculty of Computing & IT: BSc in Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology
Postgraduate Programs
TUU also offers master’s programs in fields such as Public Health, Development Studies, IT, and Education. The master’s curriculum includes one year of coursework and a research dissertation, typically completed over 18 to 36 months.
Foundation Program
The university provides a foundation program for new students, covering academic writing, English language, communication skills, life skills, and ethics.
Campus and Facilities
[edit | edit source]The main campus is located on Jigjiga Yar Street, near Masjid Jabir in Hargeisa. In response to rising student demand, the university established a New City Centre Campus. Campus facilities include lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and student support offices.
Foundation Programs
[edit | edit source]Unity University offers a comprehensive Foundation Program that includes essential academic skills:
Semester One:
- Lugha Ya Kiswahili (FOU 110)
- English Language (FOU 111)
- Academic Writing (FOU 112)
- Communication Skills (FOU 113)
- Life Skills (FOU 114)
Semester Two:
- Spoken English (FOU 125)
- Report Writing Skills (FOU 126)
- Fundamentals of Public Speaking (FOU 127)
- Introduction to Critical Thinking (FOU 128)
- Ethical Practice and Professionalism (FOU 129)
Student Life and Community Engagement
[edit | edit source]Unity University supports student clubs, academic forums, and cultural events. It has hosted local sports tournaments and participated in educational outreach activities in collaboration with community groups such as the Mideeye Council [6]
Accreditation and Recognition
[edit | edit source]TUU is recognized by the Somaliland Ministry of Education and Science as a higher education institution. The university offers full or partial scholarships to selected students, including military officers and disadvantaged groups.[2][3]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ a b Somaliland.com. PLO Lumumba Foundation launches new university in Hargeisa. 2021 Sep 12 [cited 2025 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.somaliland.com/news/somaliland/plo-lumumba-foundation-launches-new-university-in-hargeisa-somaliland/
- ^ a b Somaliland.com. Prof. PLO Lumumba emphasizes the role of African-led institutions. 2021 Sep 13 [cited 2025 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.somaliland.com/news/somaliland/plo-lumumba-foundation-launches-new-university-in-hargeisa-somaliland/
- ^ a b Somaliland.com. PLO Lumumba Foundation offers humanitarian scholarship to a poor Somalilander. 2022 Jan 10 [cited 2025 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.somaliland.com/news/somaliland/plo-lumumba-foundation-offers-humanitarian-scholarship-to-a-poor-somalilander/
- ^ Somaliland.com. PLO Lumumba Foundation donates sets of computers to boost education in Somaliland. 2022 Jun 15 [cited 2025 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.somaliland.com/news/somaliland/plo-lumumba-foundation-donates-sets-of-computers-to-boost-education-in-somaliland/
- ^ Horn Tribune. Prof. Lumumba lauds Somaliland’s peaceful elections, advocates for global recognition. 2025 Jun 1 [cited 2025 Jul 7]. Available from: https://horntribune.com/2025/06/01/prof-lumumba-lauds-somalilands-peaceful-elections-advocates-for-global-recognition/
- ^ Mideeye Council. Youth and academic collaboration project report. 2024 Oct 10 [cited 2025 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.mideeyecouncil.org/partnerships/