In 1964 the university had been renamed as "University of Asmara" and began offering Associate Diploma programs in the arts, commerce, and the sciences. The roots of the university are connected to the 1940s when Dr. Vincenzo Di Meglio promoted the creation of the "School of Medicine" in Italian Asmara. It is also linked historically to the Istituto Italiano Statale Omnicomprensivo di Asmara.[2][4][5] ..it is noteworthy to remember that the "University of Asmara" was created by Italian religious organizations.