University of Asmara

University of Asmara was a public university in Asmara, Eritrea.

The university was founded as the "Catholic College of Santa Famiglia" in 1958 by the "Piae Madres Nigritiae" (Comboni Sisters), with a mission to provide quality education grounded in Catholic values. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become one of Eritrea's most prominent institutions of higher learning. In the early years, the university focused on fostering an educational environment that combined academic learning with ethical development. The evolution of the university was deeply influenced by its religious origins and the efforts of various Italian religious organizations that contributed to its establishment. In 1964, the institution was renamed the "University of Asmara" and began offering Associate Diploma programs in the arts, commerce, and the sciences. This transformation marked a significant expansion of the university’s academic offerings, positioning it as a key player in the educational development of Eritrea. The roots of the university can be traced back to the 1940s, when Dr. Vincenzo Di Meglio promoted the creation of the "School of Medicine" in Italian Asmara, which later contributed to the development of medical and health education at the university. It is also historically connected to the Istituto Italiano Statale Omnicomprensivo di Asmara, further highlighting the university's Italian educational heritage.

In 1979, the new president of the university pushed through a major reorganization of the curriculum and structure. This overhaul was crucial in shaping the future of the university, as it expanded its offerings and facilities. The university experienced rapid growth, with student enrollment increasing from 300 to 2,700 in the subsequent years. New courses were introduced, along with expanded staff, day and evening extension programs, and campus buildings that revitalized the institution. Additionally, a bilateral agreement with the University of Addis Ababa facilitated student and faculty exchanges, particularly focusing on graduate training in Addis Ababa to produce qualified faculty for Eritrea, which contributed to the university’s academic and research capabilities. The university stopped accepting fresh student enrollments in 2003, a significant turning point in its history. In the same year, the government issued a directive that redirected prospective students to one of five new tertiary education institutions, including the Eritrea Institute of Technology. This restructuring was part of the government’s broader educational reform strategy, which aimed to reorganize the country’s higher education system. The government’s initiative to reallocate resources and restructure the university system played a pivotal role in the emergence of new educational institutions that would continue to shape higher education in Eritrea.