Mogadishu, Somalia – President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially appointed Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed (PhD) as the new Rector of the Somali National University (SNU), the country’s flagship higher learning institution.
The appointment, announced on Sunday, comes at a pivotal moment for SNU, which has been expanding its programs, modernizing its curriculum, and strengthening partnerships with regional and international universities. Dr. Mohamed, a seasoned academic and education policy expert, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the institution as it works to meet the growing demand for higher education in Somalia.
In his statement, President Mohamud emphasized the strategic role of the university in shaping Somalia’s future. He noted that Dr. Mohamed’s appointment reflects the government’s commitment to revitalizing public education and producing skilled professionals capable of driving national development.
Dr. Mohamed replaces the outgoing rector and will take over responsibilities that include overseeing academic reforms, enhancing research capacity, and ensuring the university maintains high academic standards. His previous experience in teaching, research, and higher education governance positions him as a strong candidate to lead SNU into its next phase of growth.
The SNU, re-established in 2014 after more than two decades of closure due to civil conflict, has steadily regained its place as a cornerstone of Somalia’s education system. Today, it hosts thousands of students across faculties ranging from medicine and law to engineering, agriculture, and social sciences.
Students, faculty, and education stakeholders have welcomed the appointment, expressing optimism that Dr. Mohamed’s academic background and vision will further strengthen the university’s role in rebuilding Somalia’s human capital.
With this leadership transition, the federal government signals a renewed focus on strengthening education, research, and innovation as key pillars for Somalia’s recovery and long-term stability.