Hassan lays the foundation for a new university in the country

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The President of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today laid the foundation stone for the construction of the National Defense University, which is part of the Federal Government's efforts to improve higher education services in the country.

Hassan Sheikh, speaking at the event, stated that the university is important for efforts to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and prepare military leaders with knowledge, skills, and abilities to safeguard the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

“We expect the National Defense University to make a significant contribution to the future development of the Army and the advancement of knowledge,” the President said.

The President praised the Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army Command for their efforts in the reconstruction and development of military infrastructure, which has enabled these institutions to plan and implement major projects that enhance the capabilities of the forces, improve their knowledge, and provide for their health care.

For his part, the Minister of Defense of Somalia, Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, stated that the foundation stone of the university is a historic step that symbolizes the rebuilding of the educational, professional, and strategic capacity of the Somali National Army.

Minister Fiqi mentioned that the establishment of the university fulfills the President's vision of creating a national-level university to advance knowledge and leadership in the country's defense, which will elevate the reputation, dignity, and power of the Somali National Army.

“We want the Somali officer to have a complete educational pathway, starting from the day he joins the army to the highest level of national defense leadership. A nation that wants to rely on its defense must first build the knowledge and institutions that produce its defense leaders,” said Fiqi

The minister also expressed hope that the university will become a national and regional center for studying defense science, producing Somali officers with the knowledge and skills to serve their country.

The National Defense University is expected to be built in a modern way, consisting of all the essential components for a university-level educational center, such as various colleges, research centers, training facilities, and environments, and its implementation is supported by the government of China.