Thursday 7,Nov,2024 {HMC} Somalia’s Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir has committed to ensure the country offers quality education to all learners.
Speaking after Somalia’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved the National Higher Education Bill, Abdulkadir said he was excited and grateful to the MPs for supporting the Bill.
He said the new legislation will ensure all graduates are ready for the modern-day job market.
“This Bill will really enhance the quality of education and ensure our graduates are ready for the job market and challenges that come in today’s society,” Abdulkadir said.
The Bill seeks to shape and enhance higher education while fostering a well-educated population capable of contributing to the nation’s growth, among other critical issues.
The bill, backed by the Ministry of Education, received a majority vote with 140 members of the Lower House supporting it.
Only one MP was opposed to it. There were no abstentions.
“Higher education is both costly and vital. It embodies the mission of our nation and produces the skilled individuals required for leadership and development,” Abdulkadir said.
The education minister noted that the legislation also paves way for establishing a higher education committee responsible for overseeing technical aspects of higher education throughout the country.
“This law aligns with international standards. The global landscape of education, especially at the university level, is interconnected. Our legislation will improve the recognition of our academic certificates, allowing our students to pursue education at universities abroad.
“Furthermore, as we recently joined the East African Community (EAC), our students will have opportunities to study in member countries while also benefiting from educational exchange,” Abdulkadir added.
On the Bill’s significance for private universities that have operated during the nation’s challenging times, the minister affirmed the government’s commitment to also improving private education.
He said the Bill also factors that.
“This bill will greatly benefit private institutions. It is undeniably part of the government’s commitment to promote private education.”
Abdulkadir has been credited with substantial impact on Somalia’s education sector, since he took over docket.
One of his recent notable achievements includes an ambitious recruitment initiative aimed at addressing the acute shortage of qualified educators.
Over the last two years, the Ministry of Education has hired 6,000 teachers over the past two years, as part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s commitment to hire 10,000 teachers during this term.
source Hiiraan Online.
