The Vice President of Somaliland, Hon. Abdirahman Ismail Abdillahi (Saylici), officially inaugurated the fourth phase of the Building Stronger Universities Program (BSU-IV) at a launch ceremony held at the Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa, Somaliland. The five-year program is funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre under the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Now entering its fourth phase, the project marks a collaborative effort between the University of Hargeisa and a consortium of Danish universities, including the University of Copenhagen, Roskilde University, and the University of Southern Denmark. Additionally, the University of Hargeisa will collaborate with other East African universities, such as Gulu University and State University of Zanzibar. BSU-IV focuses on holistic approaches to enhance research capacity in higher education, strengthen healthcare systems, improve institutional infrastructure, and promote climate change and sustainable development through education.
Several distinguished figures addressed the ceremony, including Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire, chairman of the University of Hargeisa Board of Trustees; Dr. Mohamoud Yusuf Muse, president of the University of Hargeisa; Mr. Khalid A. Abdi, director of the Research and Community Services Directorate and focal point for the project at the University of Hargeisa; UoH Director of Corporate Communications Mr. Mohamed Sulub; other high-ranking university officials; Mr. Liban Yusuf, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Health Development; Mr. Mohamed A. Dualleh, director general of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; Dr. Michael, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen; Mr. Lars Arne from Danida; the Danish representative, Mr. Mathias; and Mr. Charles Muwunga from the UNDP main office in Hargeisa.
Mr. Khalid Abdi provided a concise overview of the project, highlighting its key areas of focus and the positive impact it will have on the Somaliland community. Dr. Sa’ad, chairman of the University board of trustees, expounded on the University’s vision and unwavering commitment to participating in community development programs. He further emphasized the project’s value and its alignment with the University’s strategic objectives. Dr. Mohamoud Muse, president of the University of Hargeisa, underscored the project’s crucial role in enhancing research and fostering community engagement. He further elaborated on the program’s structure, including four Ph.D. programs and three post-doctoral fellowships. He reiterated the University’s primary goal of becoming a center for research and innovation. All speakers stressed the project’s significance and its potential positive impact on the people of Somaliland. Profound gratitude and appreciation were expressed towards the Danish government and the people of Denmark, the generous funders of this initiative.
