Education

Private universities praised for preserving educational fabric of Somalis

Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the Speaker of the Somali Parliament speaks during the 12th graduation ceremony of Green Hope University on Wednesday in Mogadishu. (Photo: BJFS)

By Yunis Dekow | Wednesday, June 12, 2024

The speaker commended parents, teachers and the management of the university for their unremitting efforts to ensure students excelled.

Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the Speaker of the lower house of the federal parliament of Somalia, has commended private universities for offering a vital lifeline to the educational landscape in the country.

Speaker Adan said private universities and institutions of higher learning remained the backbone of the society after Somalia plunged into a thirty-year civil war.

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He said private institutions, which became the only available alternative for thousands of students in the country, have fostered a sense of continuity in education when public institutions faltered following the civil war.

"These institutions defied the chaos and destruction, providing a sanctuary for learning and intellectual growth amidst the menace," he said.

He was speaking during the 12th graduation ceremony of Green Hope University in Mogadishu on Wednesday. Over one hundred students were awarded Degrees and Masters during the event.

The University was established in 2006 based on the community's need for higher education and is currently in partnership with Kesmonds International University.

The speaker commended parents, teachers and the management of the university for their unremitting efforts to ensure students excelled.

He urged the graduates to redouble their efforts and use their knowledge to serve the people of Somalia.

Green Hope University students attend the graduation ceremony on Wednesday in Mogadishu. (Photo: BJFS)

Sheikh Adan said despite the challenges faced, the education sub-sector remained steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence.

"In doing so, the sector has contributed to the preservation of the educational fabric of Somali society. It has also helped lay the groundwork for its reconstruction and renewal," he said.

He said the resilience of private universities in Somalia serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Somali people in the face of adversity.

"By nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and professionals, these institutions have played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the nation's post-conflict recovery," he told the graduates.

He said their contributions extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. "Private universities have empowered individuals to rebuild their communities and contribute to the wider social and economic development of the country," he noted.

"As the country continues its journey towards peace and stability, the role of private universities in higher education remains indispensable," he added.

"Resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence have laid the groundwork for a progressive future of public institutions of learning affected by the prolonged civil war."

The speaker reiterated the Somali government's commitment to improving the quality of education at all levels. He urged the education stakeholders to help parents who cannot afford their children's education so that Somali children can get an education.

Somalia is gradually returning to stability, with efforts underway to rebuild infrastructure, restore basic services, and foster economic development. International aid and diplomatic initiatives have contributed to this progress, helping to address the root causes of conflict and promote peacebuilding efforts.