MOGADISHU – The Education Minister, Culture and Higher Education Minister of Somalia’s Federal Government, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, joined by Somali National University President, Prof. Mohamed Mahmoud, today inspected the university’s Gaheyr Campus to evaluate the advancement of current reconstruction and enhancement projects.
During their tour, the team received updates from project leaders and engineers managing the modernization effort and examined the construction progress since the project’s commencement on May 2. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed as the new Rector of the Somali National University, describing the university as having a strategic role in shaping Somalia’s future and producing skilled professionals capable of driving national development.
Historic Campus Reconstruction
The Gaheyr Centre, in operation since the 1970s, is the largest educational facility operated by the university in Mogadishu. The campus was originally donated by Italy and designed by renowned architects Quaroni and Dierna. The first phase of the project focuses on renovating the perimeter wall, followed by construction of the main rectorate building, faculties, laboratories, and student services.
The reconstruction project aims to regenerate the Gaheyr University Campus in order to offer qualified training opportunities suited to the modern educational and academic needs of Somalia and the African continent. In addition to contributing to the country’s institutional, economic and cultural regeneration, the project intends to strengthen the role of university education in the processes of overcoming tribal differentiations and promoting the use of the Somali language. The milestone marks a renewed national commitment to rebuilding public higher education.
Commitment to Timely Completion
The Minister and University President restated their dedication to completing the project on schedule, highlighting its significance in creating a contemporary educational setting equipped to address the expanding educational demands of Somali students. Somalia launched the reconstruction of Somali National University’s Gaheyr Centre to improve higher education infrastructure and student services, with the education minister attending the launch event and describing the milestone as a renewed national commitment to rebuilding public higher education.
Land Evacuation Directive
Prior to the groundbreaking, the Minister ordered residents occupying land belonging to Somali National University to vacate the premises immediately. “The land of the Somali National University is public property. Those residing on it must vacate promptly to allow reconstruction and ensure it benefits the wider community,” the minister stated. The directive was issued during the groundbreaking ceremony for the modernization of the university, particularly its Gaheyr campus. University Rector Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud welcomed the launch of the redevelopment project, describing it as a significant step toward restoring the institution and commending the Ministry of Education for its continued efforts to strengthen the country’s education sector.
Broader Higher Education Reforms
The Gaheyr Campus renovation represents wider initiatives to improve higher education facilities and expand educational possibilities throughout Somalia. The Somali National University, re-established after more than two decades of closure due to civil conflict, has steadily regained its place as a cornerstone of Somalia’s education system. The institution now hosts thousands of students across faculties ranging from medicine and law to engineering, agriculture, and social sciences.
According to the Ministry of Education, 37,052 students sat for Grade 12 exams, with nearly 94 percent passing. The ministry also completed a training program for 3,000 teachers, part of a push to modernize instruction and unify curricula nationwide. With more than 10,000 students now enrolled, Somali National University stands as Somalia’s largest and most prominent public university, playing a central role in educating the country’s future professionals.
Way Forward
The project envisages planning of the Gaheyr Campus by assisting in the drafting of the relevant master plan, elaboration of an energy-environmental concept, support for the design of the renovation of the Faculty Buildings and the reconstruction of the rectory, technical assistance and supervision of the renovation phase, and institutional and technical strengthening of the University through the training of teaching and technical staff, students and recent graduates.
The modernization of the Gaheyr Campus forms part of broader efforts to strengthen higher education infrastructure and enhance academic opportunities across the country. With this leadership transition and reconstruction initiative, the federal government signals a renewed focus on strengthening education, research, and innovation as key pillars for Somalia’s recovery and long-term stability.
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