Ari Gaitanis, a spokesperson for United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has denied reports alleging that UN Academy in Somalia is affiliated to the United Nations.
While speaking to Goobjoog News, Gaitanis said the institution, which has currently opened its doors to new admissions, has no affiliations with the global body.
He said, “I would like to categorically state that the UN has no affiliations with the UN Academy in Somalia.”
Furthermore, he indicated that a probe is underway to establish how the institution branded itself as an affiliate of the United Nations.
Gaitanis says UNSOM only became aware of the academy’s existence recently.
Consequently, he says that a follow up with the school is underway to establish how it came to the decision to use the Geneva-based organization’s logo and name.
When contacted, the Ministry of Higher Education said the institution had met all the criteria required for registration.
The higher education ministry issued a statement saying, “The institution presented documents showing that it had the UN’s approval to use the global body’s name and logo.”
According to local media, former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi owns the institution. Gedi served as the Prime Minister from 2004-2007.