MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday attended the opening ceremony for the 2026-27 academic year of higher education, held at the headquarters of the Somali National University in Mogadishu.
Hassan said Somalia’s development was closely linked to improving the quality of education, expanding knowledge and investing in young people.
Universities, he said, have a key role in preparing a generation with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the country and contribute to its development.
During the ceremony, the president launched the ABUUR Initiative, a programme aimed at promoting innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship skills among Somali students.
He also inaugurated newly constructed university facilities, including buildings for academic faculties, a centre for Arab health affairs, and an emergency and critical care centre.
Hassan also laid the foundation stones for a guesthouse at the Somali National University and a centre for innovation and research.
The projects are intended to strengthen higher education, medical training and research capacity in Somalia, according to the presidency.
The Somali government has increasingly emphasized investment in education and skills development as part of efforts to strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for the country’s large youth population.
