UN Support Office in Somalia helps to reconstruct Somalia’s premier university
Earlier this month, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) officially handed over the premises of the Somali National University back to the federal government after 10 years of using it as battalion headquarters to coordinate operations against the terrorist group of Al Shabaab.
Established in 1954, the university closed its doors to students in 1991 as a result of the outbreak of the civil war.The United Nations Support Office for Somalia (United Nations Support Office in Somalia - UNSOS) helped AMISOM with the transition of the institution from military barracks back to its original educational purpose.
The UN will leave behind 20 hard wall buildings that were constructed for the contingent during their stay, at a value of about $12million,” said Clark Toes, Chief of Service Delivery at UNSOS.
Other than providing logistical and engineering support during the relocation exercise, United Nations Support Office in Somalia - UNSOS ensured that the premises were rebuilt with the least effect to the environment.
Abdirahman Dahir Osman, the Somali Minister for Higher Education, described the handover as “a symbol of the rebirth of Somalia,", and his sentiments were echoed by the Rector of the university, Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, who added: "Handing back the premises marked a return of peace, security and stability in Somalia.
”The first batch of student admissions to Somalia’s oldest university could start as early as September 2017.
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