Introduction
Eritrea has a population of four million. The University of Asmara is Eritrea’s only university.

History of Higher Education
The University of Asmara was founded in 1958. Originally named the Holy Family University Institute by the Camboni Sisters Missionary Congregation, the institute’s original goal was to prepare students for university study in Italy. Accredited by the Superior Council of the Institute of Italian Universities in 1960, the institution officially changed its name to the University of Asmara in 1964.

In 1993, the university was shut for six months not only to be re-organized, but also to give administrators time to recruit qualified individuals, largely from the Eritrean Diaspora, to join the faculty. When the university re-opened its doors later that year, the formidable task of positioning the institution at the center of national development began in earnest.

Student Enrollment
The university’s total student enrollment in degree programs increased from 2,836 in 1995-1996 to 3,912 in 1999-2000, an increase of 28% in 4 years. In addition, the university awards diplomas (432 students in 1999-2000) and certificates (125 students in 1999-2000) in select fields. In 1999 more than 800 students graduated from the university: 550 with degrees, 109 with diplomas, and 151 with certificates. In 1999-2000, total enrollment at the institution topped 4,500.

Faculty
In 1991, only 8 (12.9%) of 62 faculty members held doctorates. In 1994, the university recruited over 50 new faculty members, 37 of whom held PhDs. By 1998, this figure had increased to 85 (38.1%) of 223. A larger percentage of faculty members with doctorates are expatriates. In 1999, 210 faculty members taught at the university; 90 held PhDs. Of these 90, only 38 (42%) were Eritreans.

Because many faculty members are expatriates, their salary scale is not standardized. Teachers from India, for example, make up a large proportion of the expatriate faculty at the university. Many of them are provided with subsidized housing, in addition to higher salaries.

Research and Publishing
There are only three "major" research themes currently being pursued: geophysics, medicinal plants, and materials science, all within the College of Science. Over the next 5 years, the university plans to expand its research activities and to initiate multi-disciplinary research projects.

Gender Issues
As in many African nations, female participation in higher education is a challenge. A quick look at enrollment figures reveals stark differences in male and female patterns of participation in Eritrean higher education. In 1991-92, female students accounted for 577 (19.6%) of 2,942 students enrolled in the university’s day and evening programs. In 1998-99, they accounted for 540 (13.5%) of 3,994 students, a 6% decrease in a 7-year period.

Note: For detailed account on the state of higher education in Eritrea, please consult: Cheryl Sternman Rule, African Higher Education: An International Reference Handbook (Damtew Teferra and Philip. G. Altbach, eds., Indiana University Press, 2003), pp. 309-315.