# Edna Adan University

The Edna Adan University (Somali: Jaamacadda Edna Aadan, Arabic: جامعة إدنا آدم, abbreviated EAU) is a private university located in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. The university was established in 2010 with a primary focus on healthcare education, aiming to address the educational and healthcare needs of the region. The founder and current president of the university is Edna Adan Ismail, a prominent healthcare professional and former Foreign Minister of Somaliland.

## History

Edna Adan University was founded on September 15, 2010, by Edna Adan Ismail, a well-known figure in Somaliland's healthcare sector. The university builds upon her previous achievements, including the establishment of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in 2002. The decision to create a university stemmed from the recognition of the region's shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare-related fields. The university was designed to address this gap by providing educational programs that cater to the needs of Somaliland and the surrounding regions.

## Administration

The university is governed by a structured administrative framework aimed at maintaining high standards in both academic and operational areas. Key administrative roles at the university include:
- Chancellor and President: Edna Adan Ismail, who provides leadership and oversight for the university's strategic direction.
- Vice President for Administration, Finance, and Development: This role is responsible for managing the university's finances, resources, and development initiatives.
- Vice President for Academic Affairs: This position oversees curriculum development, faculty management, and the university's academic programs.
- Director of Finance, Human Resources, and Administration: Responsible for managing administrative and financial operations at the university.
- Registrar: The registrar manages student admissions, academic records, and examination procedures.
- Faculty Deans and Department Heads: These individuals lead specific academic programs and ensure the quality of education delivered within their respective faculties.
In addition to these positions, the university also has offices dedicated to quality assurance, public relations, and international partnerships.

## Campus and location

The university's main campus is located on Iftin Road in Hargeisa, adjacent to the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including lecture halls, laboratory spaces, libraries, and e-libraries, supporting both in-person and digital learning experiences. The university's location in the urban center of Hargeisa provides easy access to city services and contributes to a vibrant academic environment.

## Academic faculties

Edna Adan University offers a variety of academic programs through its ten faculties. These programs aim to address critical areas of professional and public health needs in Somaliland. The faculties include:
1. Medicine: Offers training in clinical medicine, preparing students for careers in medical practice and research.
2. Nursing: Provides education in nursing, focusing on patient care and health management.
3. Midwifery: Specializes in maternal and child health, providing training that equips students with the skills needed to reduce mortality rates.
4. Laboratory Sciences: Focuses on diagnostic methods and laboratory techniques, preparing students for careers in medical diagnostics and research.
5. Dentistry: Provides a comprehensive curriculum in oral health, including preventive and restorative dental care.
6. Public Health: Offers interdisciplinary training in public health, preparing students to address community health issues and engage in disease prevention.
7. Nutrition: Focuses on the relationship between diet and health, offering programs that aim to improve community nutrition and wellbeing.
8. Pharmacy: Trains students in pharmaceutical sciences, including drug development, clinical pharmacology, and patient care.
9. Information Technology: Provides education in software development, digital systems, and IT infrastructure, equipping students with skills for the growing tech sector.
10. Business and Accounting: Offers programs in business management, accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for careers in business and corporate sectors.

## Partnerships

Edna Adan University collaborates with several international institutions to enhance its educational offerings. One notable partnership is with King's College London, through the King's Somaliland Partnership, which supports the development of medical education programs at the university. This collaboration helps to improve the capacity of the university's healthcare training programs. In addition, the partnership benefits from digital resources provided by MedicineAfrica, enabling students to connect with international medical professionals and experts.