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Puntland State University Wins National International Humanitarian Law Competition

Garowe, Puntland – October 01 2025 Puntland State University (PSU) is pleased to announce that its Faculty of Sharia and Law has won the 2025 Somali National International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Competition, marking the first time in the university’s history to achieve this distinguished honor. This victory secures PSU’s representation of Somalia at the All-Africa IHL Competition, which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2025. The Somali National IHL Competition, organized annually by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), serves as a platform for law students to deepen their understanding of the Law of Armed Conflict and to apply it to complex humanitarian contexts. The 2025 national round brought together six universities across Somalia, each required to submit written memorials and engage in simulated case studies and moot court hearings. Puntland State University advanced to the final round after demonstrating strong legal reasoning, research depth, and advocacy skills. In the final moot court session held in Mogadishu, PSU—acting as the defense—delivered a compelling and well-structured legal argument that earned the unanimous decision of the three-judge panel over Mogadishu University. Reflecting on the achievement, Mr. Mohamed Awad Hussein, one of the participating law students, expressed appreciation and humility: “We thank the Almighty for this achievement. We are deeply grateful to our dean, lecturers, and the entire university for their continuous support. The extensive preparation and sleepless nights have truly paid off.” The PSU team, composed of three outstanding law students, will now represent Somalia at the continental stage, where they will compete against law faculties from eight African countries. This provides a unique opportunity for PSU students to engage in comparative legal analysis and to showcase Somalia’s growing expertise in international humanitarian law. The individual award for Best Speaker was conferred upon Mr. Abdihafid Mohamed Ali from Mogadishu University, recognizing exceptional oral advocacy skills among all participants. In his closing remarks, Mr. Alexandre Formisano, Head of Programs and Prevention for ICRC Somalia, commended the participants’ dedication to the study of humanitarian law: “The passion for the law demonstrated by these students is humbling, even for us as custodians of IHL. We will be supporting and cheering for PSU as they advance to the All-Africa finals.” Educational Significance of the Competition The Somali IHL Competition aims to enhance legal education and practical skills development among law students in Somalia. By engaging in legal drafting, argumentation, and simulated case analysis, participants strengthen their knowledge of the international legal framework governing armed conflicts, civilian protection, and humanitarian principles. This initiative also contributes to building a new generation of Somali legal professionals who are well-versed in international legal norms and capable of contributing to peacebuilding, human rights protection, and justice reform in the Horn of Africa. About Puntland State University (PSU) Puntland State University, located in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, is a leading institution of higher learning dedicated to advancing education, research, and community development. The Faculty of Sharia and Law plays a central role in preparing competent legal practitioners through rigorous academic programs, practical legal training, and active engagement in national and international legal competitions. The university’s participation and success in the Somali National IHL Competition reaffirm PSU’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical legal practice, and social responsibility—core values that underpin its vision of contributing to a just and peaceful Somali society.

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Puntland State University Partners in Transformative Higher Education Project

Garowe, Puntland – Puntland State University (PSU) is thrilled to announce its participation as a key partner in the groundbreaking “Inclusive, Impactful, and Integrated Higher Education in Eastern Africa” (3is) project. This initiative, part of the Erasmus Capacity Building in Higher Education program, aims to transform higher education in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya through collaboration with European partners. Project Highlights The 3is project, set to span 24 months, focuses on enhancing the capabilities of higher education institutions in remote and underdeveloped regions. The project’s main areas of impact include: Internationalization: Enhancing global engagement and collaboration among African universities. Inclusiveness: Promoting accessibility and support for students and staff from disadvantaged backgrounds. Educational Innovation: Integrating innovative teaching practices to improve learning outcomes. Community and Industry Engagement: Strengthening connections between universities, local communities, and industries. Regional Integration: Facilitating cross-border cooperation, student and staff mobility, and mutual recognition of qualifications in Eastern Africa. Initial Activities The project has commenced with a series of capacity-building workshops and training sessions. These activities are designed to equip university staff and administrators with the skills needed to implement the project’s goals effectively. Topics covered include policy design, action planning, and best practices in higher education. Collaboration and Impact PSU is actively working with local communities, policymakers, and industry representatives to ensure the project’s success. This collaborative approach aims to develop solutions tailored to the unique socio-economic, cultural, and environmental contexts of each participating region. By the project’s conclusion, it is expected that participating universities will have: Improved their ability to provide high-quality, inclusive education. Strengthened their international networks and partnerships. Developed strong community and industry relationships. Enhanced their capacity to engage in future educational development projects. Community Engagement PSU encourages all stakeholders, students, and community members to stay informed about the progress and achievements of the 3is project. Regular updates will be provided through the university’s website and social media channels. For more information, follow us on Facebook. Together, let’s advance higher education in Eastern Africa for a brighter, more inclusive future!      

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16th Graduation Ceremony of Puntland State University – Garowe Campus

THE 2022 GRADUATION STORY Puntland State University held the 16th Convocation on 5th December 2022. In the 2022 convocation 300 (52% male and 48% female) students graduated from the various faculties of the university. The numbers are as follows; Faculty Male Female Total Faculty of Social Sciences (FoSS) 49 81 130 Faculty of Management Sciences (FoMS) 24 8 32 Faculty of Health Science (FoHS) 10 25 35 Faculty of Computing 24 9 33 Faculty of Sharia and Law 21 9 30 Faculty of Engineering, Agriculture and Environmental Science (FoEA) 16 2 18 Total 144 134 278 Percentage of graduate 52% 48% 100%   The event started at 9:30 am with marching to the graduation hall that was led by the Chief guest and the Vice Chancellor. While at the graduation hall the event was kicked off with prayers that were led by Shiekh Abdishaafi. The chairperson organizing committee took the floor and he welcomed the visitors and the graduands at the event and thanked the organizing committee for working tirelessly for the event. This was followed by a tree planting activity where 5 trees were planted as a campaign to promote tree planting in the city and the nation at large. Following the tree-planting exercise, the head of the student organizing committee addressed the group and praised them for their dedication to the event’s planning. Following this ceremony, the faculty deans read names, and the vice chancellor awarded the students with degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Following that, the presents were given out and the names of each faculty’s top students were read out. The principal visitor and Nugaal’s chief governor both spoke (Minister of Education). At 12 o’clock, the ceremony came to an end, and the graduates went outside to collect their prizes and have their pictures taken.  

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14th Graduation Ceremony of Puntland State University [PSU]

Lighting up the Ceremony The Puntland State University (PSU) celebrated its 14th Graduation day on Wednesday, the 7th April 2021 at its Main campus in Garowe. The celebrations started with the holy Quran prayers and followed by the academic procession in which the honorable dignitaries namely, Mr. Ismail Warsame, Second deputy speaker of Puntland State Parliament, Mr. Abdullahi Roble, Higher Education Minister of State, Mr. Mohamoud Sh. Hamid, PSU Vice chancellor, and Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Burtinle, PSU Registrar. Honorable Dignitaries the honorable dignitaries adorned the dais and after the National anthem, the PSU Vice chancellor, Mr. Mohamoud Sh. Hamid, gave warm greeting to all the honorable dignitaries, Deans of respective facilities, lecturers, graduands and their parents, and guests.       The Remarks of Honorable Dignitaries The PSU Vice chancellor, Mr. Mohamoud Sh. Hamid, declared the graduation day open and in his presidential address he congratulated the graduands. After he briefed the historical evolution of Puntland State University, Vice chancellor has stated that, ‘’The education system should not be based on the marks scored by the student it should be the Innovation and Employment as well as Entrepreneurship oriented.’’ Said by: Mr. Mr. Mohamoud Sh. Hamid, PSU Vice chancellor     The Second deputy speaker of Puntland State Parliament, Mr. Ismail Warsame, he apricated the remarkable role of Puntland State University in producing high quality graduates with excellent knowledge and skills required in contributing significantly in developing the country, he also stated that his very honorable to be one of the earliest graduated batch of Puntland State University. In his speech he pointed out that, ‘’Learning is a Continuous Process by the Hard work and Dedication by teachers in shaping the graduands as a responsible citizen of the country.’’ Said by: Mr. Ismail Warsame, Second deputy speaker of Puntland State Parliament     The Higher Education Minister of State, Mr. Abdullahi Roble, stated that Puntland State University is maintaining high standards in education and helping for molding the young graduands to the society. Certainly, The Higher Education Minister of State, also has announced that, ‘’The Puntland State Higher Education Ministry is honored to over fully-Sponsored International Scholarship for the top 8 graduated students of Puntland State University 14th Convocation.’’ Said by: Mr. Abdullahi Roble, Higher Education Minister of State   Indeed, Puntland State University apricate the extraordinary support and commitment of the Puntland State Government, practically the Higher Education Ministry in improving and ensuring the quality of education in the region.   Graduation Statistical Report: The Puntland State University Registrar, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Burtinle, read out the graduation report and the names of the toppers of each department who received the degree and certificates from the honorable dignitaries. Then every Dean of the respective faculties have called out the names of the graduands of their respective departments who were awarded with the degree certificates by the honorable dignitaries. The Puntland State University Registrar, has reported that in this 14th Convocation ceremony, out of 208 there were 178 (85.5%) students eligible to graduate from various departments like Public Health, Pharmaceutical Science, Information Technology, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, Statistics, Political Science and International Relations. Awards The Puntland State University Registrar, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Burtinle, has announced the Awards for the top-ranked student among all the other departments, which was Ms. Fatima Abdullahi Yusuf, from Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of health Sciences. Thereafter, the top-ranked graduated students of each respective departments were received their wards from the honorable dignitaries Top-Ranked Student Speech The Top-Ranked Student, Ms. Ms. Fatima Abdullahi Yusuf, has stated that, ‘’I feel so honored and blessed to have you as my Mother, and want to express my gratitude for your care and support over the years. Thank you for instilling me with a strong passion for learning and for doing everything possible to put me on the path to greatness. I will never forget the important values you have passed down to me—particularly perseverance and honesty. Words cannot describe how important you are to me.’’ Said by: Ms. Fatima Abdullahi Yusuf, Top-Ranked Student   PSU 2021 Graduands Students Representative Speech Today is the day that We all have dreamed about. Every single one these graduates worked so hard to get here.  On the behave of the graduated student I thank the Puntland State University staff for the pat ience and commitment for delivering to us the required knowledge and skills required our professional career I encourage you to remember that life is made up of a lot of small journeys and you want to strive to make them as enjoyable, interesting and rewarding as possible. Congratulations graduates and good luck! Said by: Mr. Hassan Isse , Graduands Students Representative     Mr. Jamac Salaad, the Graduate student’s parents representative, he has sincerely congratulated the 14th Convocation graduated student.  And he apricated the great education quality that PSU always provides as producing graduates to the market with great knowledge, Skills, Dedication and Commitment to the Work. Indeed, Mr. Jamac Salaad has honorably announced that he will over one job opportunity for any one of the   top 8 graduated students of Puntland State University 14th Convocation.   Parents expressed joyful gratitude to the all-PSU respective faculties and administrative entities in molding their departments as professionals in the course of education and the great learning environment.   Closing of the Ceremony The PSU 2021 Convection Chairman, Dr. Abdirahman Adam Gambool, he has sincerely congratulated the PSU 2021 convocation graduates, and warmly thanks the participants and organizers for there remarkable contribution in making this day delightfully, and then he has declared that the graduation day closed, and the ceremony ended with the national anthem.    

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SOCIAL WORK DAY EVENT – 31st March 2021

Since 1983, the social work community has always celebrated the World Social Work Day (WSWD) across the world. This event was initiated by the International Federation of Social work (IFSW) which was later joined by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). In Puntland, the event was organised by Puntland State University Social work students at Washington IDP camp Students participated in sensitizing the public on COVID-19 and distributing health masks to health practitioners and patients.                  

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Leveraging Puntland’s Cultural and Sports Heritage

Leveraging Puntland’s Cultural and Sports Heritage in Enhancing Community Resilience and State Building in Puntland state of Somalia Puntland State University along with its long-standing partner KAALO have launched on Saturday 20/03/2021 a project titled “Leveraging Puntland’s Cultural and Sports Heritage in Enhancing Community Resilience and State Building in Puntland state of Somalia”. The overall objective of the project is to promote gender and youth inclusion in peace and state building process through culture, arts and sports in Puntland state of Somalia.The duration of the project is 36 months, the project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by KAALO Aid and Development and Puntland State University (PSU). The project will work closely with the Ministry of Information, Telecommunication and Culture of Puntland State of Somalia as line Ministry. The launching ceremony was attended by different members of the society such as government authorities, women, youth, culture groups, academia and religious as well as traditional elders. Specific objectives To enhance the capacity of traditional and contemporary artists to package advocacy and human right messaging in art on topical issues in Puntland To expand access to open cultural and sporting talent incubation spaces for the youth in Galkayo, Garowe and Bossaso towns To support sustainable collaboration in the use of culture, art and sports as civic awareness, democratization and peace building tools in Puntland Expected Outcomes EO 1.1: 200 cultural artists and sportsmen with enhanced advocacy and human rights management skills for sustainable talent management EO 1.2 : 4 artists and sportsmen associations established and registered EO 2.1: Collaborative establishment of 4 youth centres in the target locations EO 2.2: Sustainable and Gender inclusive youth centre management structures established EO 3.1: Ministry of youth and education supported to undertake school-based talent incubation through drama, dance and sports competitions EO 3.2: Ministry of youth, sports and culture supported to hold the Puntland cultural week in collaboration with PSU Target locations & beneficiaries Project will be implemented in Bosaso, Garowe, Qardho and Galkayo towns ; and it targets youth and women inclusively with talent in culture and sports in both traditional and contemporary arts. They can be associations or individual, students and non-students.

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Policy Writing Workshop

Since independence, important governance and political decisions in Somalia have not been evidence-based contributing to poor governance and political instability. The challenges of uninformed decisions continue to exist as policy decisions take place in the context of limited evidence, which is costly to the country. Even when some evidence is available, the policymakers hardly consume available research outputs because most outputs are technical, lengthy, broad, and published in foreign languages making such reports hard to understand and very limited in use. Policy writing could be an effective tool in utilizing the produced research outputs and therefore enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. To address this gap, PSU is organizing a training programme to equip mid-career researchers with skills and knowledge on policy writing using tools that can effectively communicate to policymakers to make informed decisions.  This is programme has been designed to be hands-on and make a positive impact. This training is free, and PSU is grateful to the facilitators and organizations who volunteered to deliver the training and mentor trainees. To take care of the maintenance of participants and logistics of the workshop, selected applicants are expected to pay US$ 100 to PSU.   Training outline Understanding policy cycle analysis Policy writing process Making your writing good Dissemination and publications Experience sharing, Case Studies, and Discussions Facilitators Ahmed M. Musa (face -to -face): Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Nairobi Tobias Hagmann (virtual): Associate Professor in International Development and comparative politics, Roskilde University Peter Chonka (virtual): Researcher and Lecturer in Global Digital Cultures, King’s College London Omar S. Mahmood (virtual): Researcher, International Crisis Group (ICG) Ahmed Abbaas (face-to-face): Researcher, Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) Ahmed Shire (face -to -face): Researcher, Puntland State University   Registration is open between October 27, 2020, and November 10, 2020   The duration of the training programme 4 days workshop/training 68 days mentorship (participants will choose research topics which they will work on with the support of mentors)   Selection criteria A successful applicant should have: Research background (experience in fieldwork) First Degree (Bachelor) in social sciences or related field Experience with teamwork   How to Apply:  Interested candidates who meet the criteria above are required to send the following documents: Filled Registration Form, (Download) A cover letter (in English) that addresses the applicant’s motivation Curriculum Vitae (in English) Academic writing example (optional) Mail to: workshop@psu.edu.so by not later than November 10, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time.   For more information please reach from the following contacts: Tel: +252 90 6794733 Email: workshop@psu.edu.so

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PSU 13th CONVOCATION

Puntland State University held the 13th Convocation on October 10 2020 at the University main campus in Garowe. The ceremony was attended by the State Minister of Education and Higher Education Hon. Abdullahi Hassan Rooble, Puntland Vice Minister of Justice Hon. Dr. Mohamed Ali Farah. In addition, there were other senior government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Business People, Parents, University Administration, Faculty Deans, Lecturers, and the Graduands. The Vice-Chancellor of Puntland State University Mr. Mohamud Hamid Mohamed, welcomed the congregation and congratulated the graduands upon finishing their studies. “Today you are independent in mind “come up with critical thinking instead of accepting everything,” said the Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor also shared the history of the university, achievements, and challenges facing the university. He affirmed the congregation that the university had created relationships and links with international educational institutions in the world.  He concluded his speech by thanking all the guests that showed up for the ceremony and wished the graduands the best in their future endeavors. The State Minister of Education and Higher Education of Puntland Hon. Abdullahi congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue with their careers. He also thanked the management of the University for nurturing the future population of Puntland. The minister concluded by conferring degrees to the graduands. Other speakers at the event included Puntland Vice Minister of Justice, Director Puntland None State Actors, Parents representative, and the Elders’ representatives. Puntland State University congratulates all the students that graduated on that day and wishes them the best in their future.  

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PSU hosts the fifth Garowe International Book Fair in Puntland

The annual Garowe International Book Fair took place in July 23-25 2019 in the Puntland State University with theme “Education is Light). The aim of the Book Fair was a revival in national cultural life, to promote books, reading, creative writing competitions, Culture and literature through public readings and panel discussions, while bringing together authors, scholars, poets, booksellers, publishers and engagement of young people. The Vice Chancellor of the Puntland State University (PSU) Mohamud Sh. Hamud has expressed gratitude for the organizers and mentioned that PSU is proud to host the 5th Garowe International Book Fair, which has succeeded again this year in inspiring a new generation of authors, readers and storytellers, and creating a stage for creativity and learning. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has officially launched the three-day fair that features panel sessions and remarks by more than 30 keynote speakers. Somalia, once considered as nation of poets has recently begun to re-assume the identity, with similar fairs being staged in different regions of Somalia. For more Garowe International Book Fair

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PUNTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY DEVELOPS STRATEGIES FOR 2019/20 ANNUAL OPERATION PLAN

On 6th July 2019 Puntland State University held a meeting for planning and developing action points for the new academic year 2019/2020. The meeting that lasted from 6th to 8th July 2019 and was held at the University Main Hall located in Garowe, Puntland. In attendance were the University Vice Chancellor and Executive Director KAALO Aid and Development Mr. Mohamoud Hamid Mohamed, the DVCs, Deans of Faculties, Directors and Heads of various departments of the university. The heads and directors of departments represented Academics and registration, Quality Assurance, ICT, Library, Institute of Professional Studies, Human Resources, Procurement, Corporate Affairs, FM Radio and Media Unit, Research, Innovation  and postgraduate studies, consultancy and capacity development center, finance and public relations.  The purpose of the meeting was to devise plans for achieving the key objectives outlined in the strategic plan 2018-2022 in order to achieve the university mission and vision. Puntland State University developed five-year strategic plan which outlines activities that will propel the institution to the next level. It is estimated that it will cost 2,290,000 USD to perform all activities outlined in the plan. The broader activities in the plan include; academic programs and services improvement, revenue generation and management improvement, human resource development and welfare, infrastructural development and facilities improvement. The key discussions involved planning and designing various strategies to increases revenue generation of the university, devising ways to enhance students enrollment, identifying key challenges affecting the university from reaching the needed potential, devising strategies to improve programmes and services improvement in academics, research, consultancy and capacity development and designing to establish networks, linkages and collaborations. The meeting was closed on 9th July 2019 by the Vice Chancellor who emphasized teamwork, determination and responsiveness in implementing the resolutions of the meeting.

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