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Association of Puntland Universities official emblemAPU
Shelves of books in a university library
Association of Puntland Universities official emblem

Association of Puntland Universities

Connecting universities.
Advancing knowledge.
Building the future of higher education.

A cooperative body and consultative network of higher education institutions in Puntland — fostering high standards of academic achievement and research.

Our network

A network of higher education institutions

The founding universities of the Association of Puntland Universities.

  • University of Health Sciences logoUniversity of Health Sciences
  • University of Bosaso logoUniversity of Bosaso
  • East Africa University logoEast Africa University
  • Garowe Teachers Education College logoGarowe Teachers Education College
  • Puntland State University logoPuntland State University
  • Global Science University logoGlobal Science University
  • Puntland University of Science and Technology logoPuntland University of Science and Technology
  • Red Sea University logoRed Sea University
Established
July 2017
Headquarters
Garowe, Puntland
Network
8 Member Universities
Focus
Higher Education & Research
University students studying together in a library
About the association

About the association

The Association of Puntland Universities (APU) was established in July 2017 following a series of consultative meetings among the heads of higher education institutions in Puntland, which began in January 2017. The APU serves as a cooperative body and consultative network designed to enhance connections among institutions, fostering high standards of academic achievement and research. The headquarters of the APU is located in Garowe, Puntland.

  • A cooperative body of higher education institutions
  • A consultative network across Puntland
  • A platform for collaboration and research
  • A mechanism for strengthening academic achievement
  1. January 2017

    Consultative meetings began

  2. July 2017

    APU established

  3. Present

    Growing higher-education network

Read more about APU
Purpose

Vision & mission

Our Vision

To enhance the academic quality and research capacity of universities in Puntland, fostering unity and promoting academic excellence and evidence-based research among member institutions.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of teaching, research, and the overall unity of higher education institutions in Puntland through collaboration, information exchange, consultation, innovation, and research.

Core values

The principles that guide us

Five values shape how the association and its member institutions work together.

  • Excellence

    Commitment to achieving the highest standards in education and research.

  • Integrity

    Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all activities.

  • Inclusivity

    Promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all member institutions.

  • Collaboration

    Fostering partnerships and collaborative efforts among member institutions.

  • Innovation

    Encouraging innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and research.

Objectives

Our strategic objectives

The aims set out in the APU profile, guiding the association's work across Puntland's higher education sector.

  1. 01

    Network Establishment

    All universities in Puntland that meet the eligibility criteria for membership can apply.

  2. 02

    Quality Promotion

    To promote the quality of education, research, social development, and other interests of the universities.

  3. 03

    Community Development

    To maintain and promote a close relationship among members and contribute to the development of the community.

  4. 04

    Fund Support

    To assist and support the efforts of universities in obtaining funds for development.

  5. 05

    International Interaction

    To work with other universities and international bodies in the interest of member universities.

  6. 06

    Academic Excellence

    To serve as a medium through which the association may support and advance the pursuit of academic excellence at the universities.

  7. 07

    Objective Consistency

    To pursue any other objectives consistent with the aims and objectives of the Association.

Key activities

What we do

Programmes and mechanisms through which APU supports its member institutions.

  • Conferences & Workshops

    Organizing regular academic conferences, workshops, and seminars to promote knowledge exchange and professional development.

    Learn more
  • Research & Publications

    Supporting collaborative research projects and publishing findings to contribute to the academic community.

    Learn more
  • Quality Assurance

    Establishing quality assurance mechanisms and standards for member universities.

    Learn more
  • Student & Faculty Exchange

    Facilitating exchange programs to enhance learning and teaching experiences.

    Learn more
  • Funding & Grants

    Supporting universities in accessing funding and development opportunities.

    Learn more
  • Policy Advocacy

    Engaging with policymakers to influence higher education policies and reforms.

    Learn more
Research & quality

Evidence-based research, assured quality

APU supports collaborative research projects and publishes findings to contribute to the academic community, while establishing quality assurance mechanisms and standards for member universities.

Explore research & quality
Researchers working in a university laboratory
Partnerships

Partnerships & collaborations

Working locally and internationally in the interest of member universities.

Local Partnerships

Collaborating with local government, private sector, and civil society organizations to advance higher education.

International Collaborations

Building partnerships with international universities and organizations to promote global engagement and exchange.

Newsroom

Latest news & events

Updates, research highlights and upcoming academic events from across the network.

Newsletter

Stay connected with APU

Receive updates, research highlights and upcoming events from the Association of Puntland Universities.

We use your details only to send APU updates. No third-party sharing, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Become part of the network

Universities in Puntland that meet the eligibility criteria can apply for membership. Get in touch with the association at info@apu.so.