The story of Dr. Abdusalam Hadliyeh Omar’s contribution to education in Puntland is deeply connected to a critical period in the Puntland’s history. In 2002, clan leaders were engaged in a serious conflict with President Abdullahi Yusuf. In an effort to resolve the conflict and promote dialogue, representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were invited to participate in the peace and conflict-resolution process. Among the UNDP representatives was Dr. Abdusalam Hadliyeh.

At the time, Dr. Mohamud Hamid Mohamed, the current Vice Chancellor of Puntland State University, had learned that Dr. Hadiliye was supporting education programmes in Somalia. He therefore attended the UNDP conflict-resolution meetings. During the meetings, Dr. Hadliyeh noticed that Mohamud Sheikh Hamid appeared to be staring at him intently. The same thing happened during the second meeting.  Dr. Hadliyeh began to wonder why this man was staring at him and initially assumed that there might be a negative reason behind it. When the opportunity arose for the two to meet, Dr. Hadliyeh asked him directly: “Why are you staring at me?”

Mohamud Sheikh Hamid introduced himself and explained that he was involved in efforts to provide education, but that the institution had only two rooms, which were inadequate for its growing ambitions and needs. Moved by Sheikh Mohamud’s determination and commitment to education, Dr. Hadliyeh decided to visit Puntland Community College himself. What he saw made a lasting impression. He witnessed a small institution with limited resources but a strong sense of purpose and a leadership determined to create opportunities for the people of Puntland.

Following his visit, Dr. Hadliyeh took it upon himself to advocate for the institution within UNDP. As a result, UNDP began supporting the institution. Among the areas of support was curriculum development, undertaken with assistance from United States International University (USIU). Through UNDP’s Access to Justice Programme, support was also provided for the establishment of the Faculty of Law, contributing to the training of lawyers needed to strengthen justice, governance and the rule of law in Puntland.

What began as a simple encounter during a conflict-resolution meeting opened the door to a relationship that would contribute to the growth and transformation of Puntland Community College to Puntland State University and this has resulted into the transformation of countless lives.

Although Dr. Hadiliyeh made several visits to Puntland over the years, it was more than two decades before he had the opportunity to visit Puntland State University. From 21 to 25 July 2026, he finally visited the University, marking a particularly meaningful moment in his long-standing connection with Puntland. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the people, institutions, and partners whose development he had contributed to many years earlier. During his stay, Dr. Hadiliyeh met with staff members of Puntland State University, members of the Puntland Parliament, the Ministers of Health and Education, representatives of Kaalo Aid and Development, the leadership of Amal Bank Group, and the President of Puntland, H.E. Said Abdullahi Deni.

During this visit, Dr. Hadliyeh delivered a public lecture at Puntland State University entitled “Your Generation Has No Permission to Surrender.” In his message to students, he encouraged them to recognize and embrace the opportunities provided by education and to remain determined in pursuing their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.

From a modest institution with only two rooms to an established university serving thousands of students, the journey is a powerful reminder of what vision, commitment, advocacy and perseverance can achieve. The story of Dr. Hadliyeh and Puntland State University reminds us that history is sometimes shaped by unexpected encounters.  Dr. Hadliyeh’s contribution to education in Puntland continues to live on through Puntland State University, its graduates, the professionals it has trained, and the generations whose dreams are being shaped by education.