The University of Somalia (UNISO) is a private university located in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The roots of the University of Somalia can be traced back to 1954 when the Università Nazionale Somala (UNS) was established in Mogadishu, then under Italian trusteeship. This institution served as the first higher education institution in Somalia, offering courses in a variety of disciplines, including law, medicine, and engineering.
In 1960, Somalia gained independence, and the UNS was renamed the Somali National University (SNU). SNU played a pivotal role in the development of Somalia's post-independence society, producing many of the country's first generation of professionals and leaders.
During its early years, SNU experienced rapid growth, expanding its faculties, student body, and infrastructure. It became a prominent academic institution in the region, attracting students from across Somalia and neighboring countries.
Somalia's civil war, which began in 1991, had a devastating impact on SNU. The university's facilities were damaged or destroyed, and many of its faculty and staff fled the country. As a result, SNU was forced to close its doors in 1990.
For several years, the future of higher education in Somalia remained uncertain. However, in 2005, a group of Somali scholars established the University of Somalia (UNISO) in Mogadishu. UNISO aimed to revive higher education in Somalia and provide Somalis with access to quality education.
Despite the challenges of operating in a post-conflict environment, UNISO has experienced significant growth since its founding. The university has expanded its facilities, increased its student enrollment, and diversified its academic offerings.
UNISO has also played a key role in rebuilding Somalia's higher education sector. The university has collaborated with international organizations and universities to provide training and support to other Somali higher education institutions.
Today, UNISO is a leading university in Somalia, providing quality education to students from across the country. The university is committed to playing a vital role in the reconstruction and development of Somalia.