Somalia welcomes first group of Sudanese students under new scholarship programme
Education Minister told the audience that Somalia and Sudan have maintained close ties for many years and that the programme is intended to reinforce that partnership by creating opportunities for new students from Sudan to study in Somali institutions.
Somalia has officially received a group of Sudanese students who arrived in Mogadishu to begin their university education through a scholarship initiative sponsored by Somalia.
The students were welcomed on Tuesday night during a ceremony at the Ministry of Education headquarters, where government officials outlined the programme's purpose and explained its expected impact on cooperation between Somalia and Sudan.
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During the event, Minister of Education Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir said the scholarship plan is part of a broader effort aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
He told the audience that Somalia and Sudan have maintained close ties for many years and that the programme is intended to reinforce that partnership by creating opportunities for new students from Sudan to study in Somali institutions.
He recalled the support Sudan offered to Somali students in the past and spoke about the role Sudanese universities played in the education of many Somalis who later returned home to work in different sectors.
“Sudan is a country that can never be forgotten. During difficult times, they opened the doors of their universities to our students, and today we are honoured to be part of supporting the new generation of Sudan,” Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir said.
He noted that the arrival of the students marked an important moment for the Ministry of Education and said the government would continue to coordinate with Sudan as the programme grows.
According to officials at the Ministry of Education, the students who landed in Mogadishu this week represent the first selection enrolled under the new arrangement. The officials said more students are expected to follow in the coming weeks as part of a joint effort by both governments to expand cooperation in the education sector.
They explained that the programme reflects the long-standing connection between the two countries and demonstrates Somalia’s willingness to support learning opportunities that benefit students from partner nations. They said the Ministry aims to work closely with the students to ensure the transition into their new academic environment proceeds in a smooth manner.
Ministry staff who attended the reception said the cooperation between Somalia and Sudan in the field of education has a long history and that the new initiative builds on earlier exchanges between the two governments.
They said the arrival of the students shows that Somalia is ready to contribute to regional educational development and to take part in efforts that encourage progress in human capital. They also noted that the programme has been structured to continue for several years as both countries identify more areas of collaboration.
Officials confirmed that the new students will begin their academic programmes at the Somali National University once the necessary enrollment procedures are completed.
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