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The Somali government has taken a major step toward improving the quality and oversight of university education across the country. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education announced that the federal cabinet has approved the formation of a 15-member National Higher Education Committee to lead reforms in the higher education sector.
The committee was officially established during a weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, after a proposal by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education. Its main role is to lead, manage, and improve post-secondary institutions to ensure they meet national education policies and standards.
In a statement, the ministry said, “This is a turning point in Somalia’s effort to standardize and improve the quality of higher education across the country.” It added that the selection process for committee members focused on academic qualifications, leadership skills, and transparency.
The formation of the committee is part of the implementation of Somalia’s Higher Education Act No. 30, which became law in December 2024. This law outlines the legal foundation for improving university education and ensuring institutions meet acceptable academic standards. According to the Ministry of Education, the selection of committee members followed a thorough vetting process, with several stages designed to assess qualifications and professional experience.
The committee includes a group of highly educated and experienced individuals, such as professors, researchers, and university administrators from various academic backgrounds. Their job will be to review how universities are run, help shape national higher education policies, and make sure academic programs support Somalia’s development goals.
The National Higher Education Committee Members:
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Dr. Abdinur Sheikh Mahmoud – Chairperson
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Dr. Mohamed Ali Farah – Deputy Chair
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Dr. Ayaan Sheikh Abdullahi Mohamed – Member
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Dr. Ahmed Adam Mohamed – Member
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Dr. Roble Ibrahim Liban – Member
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Dr. Abdulqadir Abdulle Ibaar – Member
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Dr. Abdi Shakur Sheikh Hassan (Fiqi) – Member
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Dr. Abdullahi Mahmoud Sharif – Member
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Dr. Abdiwahab Ali Mumin – Member
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Dr. Osman Mohamed Abdirahman – Member
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Dr. Faisal Abdirahman Abdullahi – Member
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Dr. Mohamed Macallin Abdullahi Kutub – Member
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Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Nur – Member
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Dr. Mahamud Yusuf Garre – Member
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Dr. Nadifa Sheikh Omar – Member
According to the Ministry, the committee will work in close partnership with government institutions to develop new policies, review existing systems, and ensure Somali universities meet quality standards in teaching, research, and administration.
The ministry believes this effort will help align academic programs with the needs of the country, including workforce development, economic growth, and innovation. The creation of this committee is seen as part of a larger plan to raise educational standards, improve accountability, and restore public confidence in Somalia’s university system.
By putting qualified professionals in charge of this important reform process, Somalia hopes to create a more reliable and modern higher education system that can compete regionally and globally.
In the coming months, the committee is expected to begin its work by assessing the current state of universities across Somalia and making recommendations for improvement. These changes aim to support long-term national development by producing graduates who are well-equipped to meet the country’s economic and social challenges.