Doha: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Federal Republic of Somalia to establish a framework for cooperation in higher education, academic program development, faculty professional development, and academic quality assurance.
According to Qatar News Agency, the signing ceremony was attended by HE UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Naemi and HE Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Federal Republic of Somalia Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir. The MoU, signed by UDST Vice President, Academics, Dr. Rachid Benlamri and Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud, focuses on developing joint academic diploma-level programs in five fields: Information Technology, Information Systems, Construction Engineering, Electric Power and Renewable Energy Engineering Technology, and Healthcare Management.
UDST Vice President, Academics, Dr. Benlamri noted that the partnership reflects UDST's commitment to advancing applied education through international collaboration and knowledge exchange. He expressed anticipation in sharing the university's academic expertise in program development, faculty professional development, and quality assurance, while working with the Ministry to create meaningful opportunities that contribute to the development of higher education in Somalia.
The partnership also includes cooperation on a joint, co-branded institute in Somalia, further reinforcing the two parties' commitment to advancing academic collaboration and supporting the development of higher education. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud remarked that the partnership with UDST is an important step in strengthening higher education in Somalia, with expectations to benefit from UDST's expertise in academic development and capacity building to create new opportunities for Somali students and institutions.
The MoU provides a foundation for continued academic cooperation between UDST and the Ministry, supporting joint programs, faculty development, quality assurance, and institutional capacity building.