Puntland university seeks peace dividend

[sheekh-Farax-zero]

A new university in Somalia's semi-autonomous region of Puntland is giving students the chance to study for degrees for the first time.

The East African University has high ambitions

And the university hopes the recent ceasefire in Puntland between government and rebels will allow it to expand further.

The ambitiously named East Africa University opened its doors to students two years ago, but construction of the new campus - on the seafront close to the port of Bossaso - is still continuing.

Abdi Weli Abdirahman is Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. Like many of the teaching staff, he has returned from abroad.

"I am an economist from the United States. I came back to teach my people in Puntland

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3050481.stm