Turkish graduates from universities in Turkey play significant roles in Somalia's administration and academic sector.
In the heart of Somalia, a growing number of universities are playing significant roles in the country's development, thanks in part to the influence of Turkish education. One such institution, Mogadishu University, established in 1997 following the civil war, has been instrumental in rebuilding the Somali state and training government officials.
Mogadishu University, with over 6,000 students, boasts a majority of administrative staff and faculty members who are graduates of Turkish universities. This is evident in the leadership of the university, with the rector, Mahdi Musa Hasan, holding a master's degree in International Relations from Selcuk University in Konya, and Daud Aser, director of international relations and projects, a graduate of Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir.
The impact of Turkish education extends beyond academia. Adviser Muhammed Hajj, a graduate of Gazi University in Ankara, is applying his knowledge in Psychological Counseling and Guidance to serve his homeland and government. Hajj graduated immediately after his studies and has been serving Somalia ever since.
Simad University, another significant university in Somalia, is led by Abdülkerim Muhyeddin Ahmed, who completed his doctorate in Business Administration in Turkey between 2019 and 2023. Ahmed's expertise is being utilised to contribute to Somalia's development.
The Somali Türkiye Graduates Association, founded in 2016, serves to guide returning graduates towards employment opportunities. This association plays a crucial role in ensuring that the knowledge and skills gained in Turkey are not only applied in academia but also in various sectors of the Somali economy.
Moreover, Turkish education has left an indelible mark on Somali institutions. Turkish has become widely spoken, with many officials fluent in the language. This is evident in the establishment of a university radio station and engineering labs at Mogadishu University, funded by Turkey.
The most skilled and advanced members of Somalia's armed forces are those who received their education in Turkey. One of the most important lessons learned by Türkiye-educated Somali youth was patriotism, as they developed a deep love for Somalia through their experiences in Turkey.
A collaborative program called 'Hackathon in Somalia,' designed by the Turkish Embassy, aims to help young people develop innovative solutions for challenges in various sectors. This initiative underscores the commitment of Turkey to supporting Somalia's development and fostering a spirit of innovation among its youth.
In conclusion, the influence of Turkish education in Somalia is undeniable. The knowledge and experience gained by Somali students in Turkey are being applied to contribute to the country's development, with many taking on roles in academia and other sectors upon returning home. The growing number of Turkish graduates in leadership positions and the widespread use of Turkish in Somali institutions are testament to the lasting impact of Turkish education in Somalia.
