{"id":3713,"date":"2025-02-05T18:16:40","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T15:16:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/Blog\/?p=3713"},"modified":"2025-02-05T18:24:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T15:24:19","slug":"somali-ambassador-makes-iuea-first-stop-in-uganda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/somali-ambassador-makes-iuea-first-stop-in-uganda\/","title":{"rendered":"Somali Ambassador Makes IUEA Her First Stop in Uganda"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On February 5, 2025, the Somali Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Ms. Fardisa Mohamed Kanyare, made the International University of East Africa (IUEA) her first stop while touring Ugandan universities that host Somali students. Her visit was not just a diplomatic gesture\u2014it was a deep dive into the Somali student experience at IUEA, and she was deeply impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welcomed with a grand display of Somali pride, the Somali Ambassador witnessed firsthand why IUEA is a top choice for both national and international students. From its world-class academic programmes to its supportive international student community, IUEA stands out as a beacon of higher education in Uganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-49-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-49-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-49-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-49-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-49-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-49-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, presents an inspiring overview of IUEA, highlighting its commitment to excellence, innovation, and international student success.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes IUEA a Great Choice for International Students?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>During her visit, the Somali Ambassador met with IUEA\u2019s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, along with top university officials, student leaders, and representatives from the Somali student community. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted several key aspects that make IUEA one of the best universities in Uganda for international students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. A Chartered University: Quality is Assured&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the first things Prof. Emeka emphasised was that IUEA is a chartered university\u2014a distinction that signifies rigorous government inspection and approval. This ensures that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Degrees from IUEA are internationally recognised, making it easier for graduates to pursue further studies or career opportunities across borders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IUEA meets and surpasses national education standards, ensuring students receive top-quality education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employers globally trust IUEA graduates, knowing they have received a world-class education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For Somali students in Uganda, this is particularly crucial\u2014ensuring that their degrees hold weight both in Somalia and internationally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The Technological University of Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Somali Ambassador quickly noticed IUEA\u2019s strong technological foundation\u2014a key factor that sets it apart. Founded in 2010, IUEA was built on the belief that technology is the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At IUEA, technology is integrated into every programme, from Engineering to Business, ensuring students graduate with cutting-edge digital skills. With AI-related programmes launching soon, IUEA is dedicated to keeping its students ahead in an increasingly tech-driven world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Somali students and other international students, this provides a competitive edge in the global job market, equipping them with the skills needed to drive innovation and economic development in their home countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-51-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3717 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-51-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-51-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-51-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-51-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-51-1.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, engages the Somali Ambassador in a thought-provoking discussion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Practical Skills That Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prof. Emeka reinforced IUEA\u2019s commitment to practical education, explaining that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, it\u2019s about gaining practical skills that make students job-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At IUEA, students don\u2019t just learn theory; they gain hands-on experience through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Internships\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industry-driven projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advanced facilities\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Creating Job Creators, Not Just Job Seekers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.undp.org\/digital\/stories\/fighting-youth-unemployment-undp-somalia-takes-cue-bangladesh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">youth unemployment being a challenge in Somalia<\/a> and across Africa, IUEA goes beyond producing graduates\u2014it nurtures job creators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Our focus on innovation teaches students to think critically and solve real-world problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entrepreneurship training is embedded in all courses, ensuring even engineers and technologists understand how to launch and scale businesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For Somali students, this means they can return home as innovators and entrepreneurs, capable of driving economic growth in Somalia and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3718 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Abdul Elmi, a distinguished Somali alumni and valued IUEA staff member, shares insights with the ambassador on the impact of an IUEA education on Somali students.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why IUEA Is an Ideal University for Somali Students<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>While IUEA\u2019s strengths benefit all students, certain unique programmes and support systems make it especially welcoming for Somali students in Uganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Higher Education Certificate Program\u2014A Pathway for Somali Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many Somali students face challenges when transitioning to university due to differences in education systems. IUEA\u2019s Higher Education Certificate (HEC) programme bridges this gap by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Offering a one-year preparatory course for students from non-A-level secondary systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helping students who don\u2019t meet direct entry requirements for their desired degree programmes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening English language skills alongside IUEA\u2019s Centre for Languages and Professional Skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This inclusive approach ensures that no student is left behind and that every Somali student in Uganda has the opportunity to achieve their academic dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. A Thriving Somali and Global Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With students from over 50 nationalities, IUEA is a true melting pot of cultures. The Somali student community is among the largest at IUEA, offering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A home away from home, where Somali students can connect, celebrate, and support each other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural celebrations like the upcoming Cultural Gala, where students showcase their heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Student representatives who directly communicate Somali student needs to IUEA\u2019s administration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Seamless Transition for International Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From application to immigration processes, IUEA ensures a smooth transition for all international students. This was something even <a href=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/somali-ambassador-receives-warm-welcome-at-iuea\/\">a previous Somali Ambassador praised<\/a>, acknowledging how IUEA simplifies the process for Somali students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-50-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3719 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-50-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-50-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-50-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-50-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-50-1.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Somali student leader and representative, Farhan Muhamed, captures a memorable moment with the Somali Ambassador, celebrating the strong ties between IUEA and the Somali student community.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happened During the Somali Ambassador\u2019s Visit?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warm Welcome &amp; Introductions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Held in the Vice Chancellor\u2019s boardroom, the event was attended by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vice Chancellor Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. <a href=\"mailto:lakshmi.bhabuu@iuea.ac.ug\">Lakshmi Bhabuu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Quality Assurance Officer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dean of Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Head of Marketing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social Affairs Ministers &amp; Somali Student Leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Vice Chancellor\u2019s Speech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prof. Emeka gave an insightful overview of IUEA\u2019s history, values, and vision, reaffirming the university\u2019s commitment to Somali students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Somali Ambassador\u2019s Speech &amp; Special Gift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>H.E. Ms. Fardisa Mohamed Kanyare expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and was deeply moved by the love and support the Somali student community receives at IUEA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She met with Somali students, away from university staff, to hear their unfiltered experiences. She was delighted to learn that they love IUEA, and she even accepted an invitation to the upcoming Cultural Gala!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before concluding her visit, she was presented with a special gift from IUEA, symbolising the university\u2019s appreciation and commitment to Somali students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-47-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3720 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-47-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-47-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-47-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-47-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-47-1.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Madam Naomi Kemboi, Head of Marketing at IUEA, presents a special gift to the Somali Ambassador as a token of appreciation for her visit and commitment to strengthening educational partnerships.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IUEA: A University That Truly Cares<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The Somali Ambassador\u2019s visit was more than just an event\u2014it was a celebration of IUEA\u2019s commitment to its Somali students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From high academic standards to a welcoming and inclusive environment, IUEA stands out as one of the best universities in Uganda for Somali students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a Somali student looking for the perfect university in Uganda, IUEA welcomes you! Join a thriving international student body, gain top-quality education, and become part of tomorrow\u2019s pioneers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-52-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3722 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-52-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-52-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-52-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-52-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-52-1.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The IUEA Somali student representatives commemorate the occasion with a farewell photo alongside the Somali Ambassador, marking a memorable visit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On February 5, 2025, the Somali Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Ms. Fardisa Mohamed Kanyare, made the International University of East Africa (IUEA) her first stop while touring Ugandan universities that host Somali students. Her visit was not just a diplomatic gesture\u2014it was a deep dive into the Somali student experience at IUEA, and she was [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76,51,29,88],"tags":[70,219,39,190,33],"class_list":["post-3713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-event","category-community","category-education","category-student","tag-campus-events","tag-diversity","tag-education","tag-iuea-somali","tag-students"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3713"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3724,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3713\/revisions\/3724"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}