Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education (MoECHE) has welcomed the recent approval of members of the National Higher Education Commission, marking a pivotal step in strengthening and standardizing the country’s tertiary education sector.
In a statement issued today, MoECHE described the endorsement as a “crucial milestone” that will help guide Somalia’s rapidly expanding higher education system, ensuring quality assurance, institutional oversight, and the alignment of academic programs with national development goals.
“The establishment of this commission will bring much-needed coordination, regulation, and strategic direction to Somalia’s higher education landscape,” said education minister Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir.
“This is a vital moment for our students, universities, and the future of our knowledge economy,” he added.
The newly approved commission members comprise education experts, university administrators, and policy specialists from across the country. Their mandate includes overseeing accreditation, developing national academic standards, facilitating institutional audits, and advising the government on policy reforms in higher education.
Somalia has witnessed a surge in private and public universities since the early 2000s, but concerns have persisted over the quality and regulation of tertiary institutions. The National Higher Education Commission is expected to address these challenges by introducing robust frameworks for accountability, curriculum development, and professional development for academic staff.
Education stakeholders, including university rectors and civil society organizations, have applauded the move. Many have expressed hope that this initiative will lead to more equitable access to education, better research outcomes, and improved global recognition of Somali academic qualifications.
The commission will work closely with both domestic and international partners, including UNESCO and IGAD, to ensure that Somalia’s higher education reforms meet global standards.
MoECHE confirmed that the commission will begin its work immediately, focusing first on the review and accreditation of existing institutions and the creation of a national qualifications framework.