Jazeera University, one of Somalia’s esteemed institutions of higher learning, recently held a momentous graduation ceremony that celebrated the academic achievements of over 420 students across various disciplines. The event was attended by dignitaries from the Ministry of Higher Education, the Banadir Regional Administration, the Somali Doctors’ Association, university officials, and proud families of the graduating students.
Among the graduates was Ali Sicow, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the university’s faculty for their unwavering dedication and guidance. “I extend my sincere appreciation to our honorable teachers who imparted invaluable knowledge and wisdom that cannot be found in books alone,” he said. “You were the beacon that illuminated our path to success. Your support, teachings, and encouragement enabled us to achieve our goals. Your efforts have given birth to a generation that will make a profound impact. May Allah reward you with Paradise.”
Omar Suleiman Omar, the university’s registrar, provided insights into the distribution of graduates across various faculties. The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences awarded degrees to 84 students, comprising 30 males and 54 females. The Nursing Department conferred degrees upon 57 graduates, including 10 males and 47 females. The Department of Computer Science celebrated the graduation of 35 female students, while the Public Health Department awarded degrees to 23 students, with 3 males and 20 females.
Experts and scholars who participated in the ceremony encouraged the graduates to continue their pursuit of knowledge, expressing their gratitude to the dedicated faculty who guided them throughout their academic journey. One speaker acknowledged the determination of students who persevered despite facing challenges, some having spent over a decade pursuing their educational goals.
The ceremony also featured speeches from proud parents who expressed their joy and pride in witnessing their children’s academic achievements. One parent stated, “I am overjoyed to see my child graduate today. We must encourage our people to continue their education, and we will stand by them until they reach the highest levels of academic excellence.”
Mohamed Hassan Mukhtar, the Director of the Vocational Training Department at the Ministry of Higher Education, highlighted the importance of qualifications and the role they play in meeting the demands of the job market. “Your qualification level determines the opportunities available to you,” he said. “The world is becoming increasingly competitive, whether within the East African Community, Africa, or globally. We must strive to keep pace with these developments.”
Sheikh Doon Salaad Cilmi, the President of Jazeera University, provided an overview of the institution’s journey and the remarkable achievements it has attained. The university currently comprises nine faculties, including Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Health Sciences, Civil Engineering, Economics and Management, and others. With over 3,000 students and 280 faculty and staff members, Jazeera University has witnessed remarkable growth since its humble beginnings in a rented villa a decade ago.
Over the past ten years, Jazeera University has produced numerous graduates, including doctors, counselors, nurses, veterinarians, engineers, teachers, agricultural experts, economists, and computer scientists, who are now contributing to the development of Somalia and beyond.
This year’s graduating class of 420 students, with 58% being female and 43% male, represents a significant milestone for the university. The ceremony concluded with the conferment of degrees to the deserving graduates, marking the culmination of their academic endeavors and the beginning of new chapters in their professional lives.
Jazeera University’s graduation ceremony stands as a testament to its commitment to providing quality education and nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals in Somalia.
