MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – In a significant development within Somalia’s higher education sector, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has officially appointed a new president for the Somali National University.
According to a presidential decree issued by Villa Somalia earlier today, Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed (PhD) has been named the new President of the Somali National University. The decree emphasized Dr. Mohamed’s extensive background in academic leadership and administrative expertise as key reasons for his selection.
The statement released by the Office of the President noted:
“In view of Dr. Mohamed’s deep knowledge and long-standing experience in academic administration, the President of the Republic has appointed him to lead the Somali National University and has expressed confidence in his ability to fulfill this role with responsibility and integrity.”
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also urged the incoming university leader to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing reform efforts aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of higher education across the nation. His administration has prioritized education as a cornerstone of Somalia’s development and state-building agenda.
Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed is a respected academic and one of the founding members of SIMAD University, a prominent private institution based in Mogadishu. His appointment is seen by some as a move to inject renewed energy and vision into the national university system.
However, the transition in leadership comes amid controversy. Dr. Hassan Osman Gaal, the outgoing President of the Somali National University, was dismissed shortly after publicly opposing the alleged illegal appropriation of university land. In a letter that has since circulated widely, Dr. Gaal condemned what he described as the looting of land belonging to the university — a move that many believe led to his abrupt removal.
Below is the full text of the letter written by the dismissed university president, Dr. Hassan Osman Gaal, in which he voices his concern over the encroachment on public educational property.
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This incident has sparked concerns among academic and civil society groups, who are calling for transparency and protection of national educational institutions from political or private interference.
