We are truly proud that today, the nursery schools that were started as an orphan centers, are recognized as a University. It is a privilege we are determined to build on, to ensure that our primary goal, of meeting the educational needs of students in the region is fulfilled to the best of our abilities.

Since its foundation in 2005, Kismayo University has worked to develop academic freedom under a spirit of self-reliance and self-respect, and to open up new perspectives in creative scholarly endeavor.

Our globe is presently experiencing a number of speedy changes that would have been unimaginable in the 20th century. Universities need to think seriously about what they stand for in these turbulent times. Kismayo University now needs to identify how best to respond to the demands of its wider society while remaining true to its founding spirit.

The three core missions of a university are education, research, and social contribution. Two of these, research and social contribution, are apt to change in response to global development. Education, however, has an essential nature that I believe to be unchangeable. In line with its commitment to independent learning, Kismayo University must maintain its position as a support of academic freedom. In order to do so, the university must be a place where academic responsibility can proceed undisturbed, while also providing windows into the world and society. These windows can be opened by faculty members equipped with advanced knowledge of the world and society that lies beyond, but the most important role in our university is played by students who venture outside the windows. We must work carefully with partners in business and government to provide windows that allow students to make the best practical use of abilities they have developed at the university.

I believe that we must make a case to wider society regarding the need for these improvements, in the hope of receiving generous support from the businesses that expect so much of Kismayo University, and from our own alumni. I also look forward to building stronger partnerships with the local community, maximizing the benefits of our location in Kismayo and working with other universities to develop the city itself into a rich and varied academic campus. Furthermore, if we are to succeed in attracting outstanding faculty and students from the region, we need to develop original curricula and joint research projects.

 I am in no doubt that these efforts will contribute greatly to the development of our region, and to the future of Somalia and the world as a whole.

It takes time for students to recognize their abilities to the fullest extent. I hope that we can provide a supportive learning environment in which students are not rushed into making decisions regarding their future, and instead can follow a positive process of trial and error that will enable them to be more convinced in the futures that they eventually choose.

In order to promote students with abundant inventive capabilities, all faculty and administrative staff members must be committed to pursuing research and social contribution initiatives that attract international attention. Kismayo University has 5 faculties, one research institute and many other education and research facilities. I will be doing my utmost to ensure that our goals are advanced across all these different areas of the university community. 

Dr. Mohamed Abdi Adam

Chancellor of Kismayo University