About City University

I am very proud to be the founding president of this university. City University was created with a distinctive mission: pioneering quality instruction, research, and service to society informed by the latest higher education research. Establishing this aspiring university from scratch has been both exciting and challenging, especially since Somalia is a post-conflict country where the institutions and the infrastructure have massively been destroyed.

In my higher education career spanning over two decades, I have had the privilege of working at some of the world’s top universities as a senior professor, international consultant, or a faculty development professional. I am confident that City University will be able to make its dreams and aspirations a reality and will become one of the world’s finest universities. This university already distinguishes itself through cutting edge programs and practices that integrate international standards of excellence with local needs and realities.

Since City University opened its doors a couple of years ago, it has already made great strides and has risen to prominence in the country. As you will see in this document, the university has introduced and successfully implemented some infrastructure and program initiatives unprecedented in the country. This remarkable success is no doubt due to the unwavering commitment and hard work of our talented faculty, productive staff, and diligent students. It is noteworthy that all of our three Vice-Presidents are graduates from leading universities in North America. They have lengthy professional experience under their belt, both in the developed world and in the region. Also, our meticulously recruited faculty members come from various international educational backgrounds, including North America, Europe, South Asia, South East Asia, and Africa.

City University plans in the near future to introduce more undergraduate and graduate programs, centers and institutes, continuing education and technical programs, as well as to further develop and consolidate its research and services productivity, capacity, and culture. I continue to have unshakable confidence that the success of these endeavors will be made possible by the deep commitment and tireless efforts of the remarkable people at City University. My utmost appreciation and gratitude go to our friends, partners, and donors for their relentless and vital support.

In line with City University’s moto of “knowledge is light”, I see the light at the end of the tunnel and a bright future for City University and this country. I invite you to join us and be part of this history in the making!

Warmest Greetings with Peace

Abdullahi A. Barise, PhD
President