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ACCA exams was held on Monday at examination center of Puntland State University in Garowe. 25 students sit the 8th examinations of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the world largest accountancy body with around 300,000 students. PSU management has congratulated students, parents and lecturers on this profound opportunity for students ‘career enhancement. Mr. Mohamud Hamud , PSU president expressed as “an honour” for PSU staff and student that Puntland State University hosts an International examination . The implementation of the ACCA exams in Puntland was facilitated by United Nations Development Program.  Students from the governement institutions and private sector where the first beneficiaries. Students at PSU have completed second last ACCA exams which has been continuing for the last three years. Osman Mohamud Ali, an ACCA instructor has fully explained and appreciated on how this program is implemented. He said Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is the world largest accountancy body in around 180 countries. He said that getting an international certification is a outstanding opportunity for Puntland students that would enable them to be Chartered Certified Accountants and particularly their Financial and managerial capabilities. “I am very happy to see that Puntland is accredited as one of ACCA providers in the world. Puntland has got a great opportunity facilitated by UNDP ” said Osman. He said this was the 8th part of ACCA examination, and only one exam is remaining then students would receive and International Certificate. ACCA paper-based exams are held twice a year, in June and December. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. ACCA offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

PSU Faculty of Law organized the graduation ceremony for the first batch of law graduates on Wednesday 20th February 2013 at PSU Hall. It was the first lawyer graduation ceremony in Puntland, as it was one of the most exciting events for the PSU and Puntland Judiciary as law graduates received their law bachelor degree and acknowledged publicly for their achievements. The ceremony was attended among others by Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, Minister of Justice, and Deputy Minister of Education, Director of PDRC, and UNDP Head of Sub-Office Garowe and other participants from civil society and Students. Mr. Mohamud Hamud, PSU President, welcomed the honorable, worthy guests and participants and opened the ceremony officially. Then, Dean Faculty of Law gave introductory speech on background of the faculty highlighting the role of Puntland Ministry of justice and UNDP in the establishment of the law faculty. Some of the special guests gave remarks of encouragement and congratulations to the law graduates. Finally the Punltand Speaker of Parliament presented awards and degrees to the merit position holders: Also Awards were presented to PSU Law Faculty and UNDP. After the colorful ceremony the graduands, family members and other participants had photo group and concluded the crowd.

On Tuesday August 28, 2012, Puntland State University (PSU), conducted a handover ceremony in appreciation of the donation of the Turkish Government of forty computers (40) and seven printers (7). The function was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Eng. Mohamud Salah and the Puntland President advisor on women and family affairs, Mrs Hawo Abdi Kure, among other government dignitaries, local community leaders, PSU staff and students. In his opening remarks, Mr Mohamed Hamid Mohamed, the PSU President, expressed the University administration’s appreciation for the continued assistance by the Turkish Government, noting that the computers and printers had come soon after the Government of Turkey had offered scholarships for masters and PhD degrees for PSU graduates and faculty. Highlighting the extent to which the Turkish government was assisting the Somali community through education, he said that the donation was part of a larger lot of three hundred and sixty computers (360) and sixty three (63) printers donated to Somali universities through SomaliREN and that the nine universities under the SomaliREN umbrella were all beneficiaries of the masters and PhD degree scholarships by Turkey. In his address to the congregation, Eng Mohamud Salah, thanked the Government of Turkey for contribution to the Puntland education sector and the Somali community in general. He said education was a reproductive investment that would benefit community in every possible manner for generations. He also thanked PSU for playing a leading role in the education and social reconstruction of the community and urged the university to expand its faculties to include courses in agriculture. The minister also reminded those in attendance that besides the unparalleled contribution to the Puntland Constitution through the hosting of debates, PSU had also hosted the successful Garowe I and II Somalia Federal Constitution Consultative conferences which saw the adoption of a new constitution for the Somali Republic. He pointed out that it was an interesting coincidence that as PSU celebrated the donations and assistance by the Turkish government, the Somali Federal Parliament in Mogadishu had just finished electing a new speaker barely an hour earlier on the same day on the basis of the constitution PSU helped found. Mr Salim Said Salim, the PSU Deputy Vice Chancellor, thanked the Turkish government for the donation with the assurance that the university will ensure the computers and printers are optimally utilized to benefit learners.

on 12 July, 2012 Puntland State University Held Successful 5th commencement for the graduates of Bachelor of Public Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration which began at 08:00am local time at Puntland State University’s main campus in Garowe The ceremony was attended by Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Mahamud Farole accompanied by Vice President Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire and senior Cabinet officials, Representatives from UN Agencies and International NGOs, Business People, Parents, University Deans, Lecturers and 45 graduates from the Public Administration Department of the faculty of Social Science and the Business Administration department of the faculty of Business and Economics. The master of ceremony called for a sheikh to open the ceremony with word of prayer. Then it has been presented a very wonderful drama on the importance and the quality of the education and the difference between the ignorance and the educated person where the graduates and the other participants enjoyed and appreciated. Various speeches were made that pointed out to the importance of the knowledge Among the highlights of the ceremony was a speech by the Vice Chancellor of Puntland State University Mr Mohamud Hamid Mohamed, he gave a warm greeting to the crowd and congratulation for the graduates. The Vice Chancellor mentioned something about the historical evolution of Puntland State University and the challenges it faced since its foundation, the vice Chancellor briefed the relationship that the university created with many international educational institutions in the world. And concluded his speech with many thanks to all invited that showed up for the wonderful graduation ceremony and best wishes to the graduates for their future endeavors. Others who addressed the congregation were the Abdirazak Hassan Osman (Jurile) who was former dean of Somali National University, GOLIS Representative Said Hussein, Dr Abdinasir Awke, Maikal Corson and PSU Alumni Rahma Bashir also addressed the congregation Thereafter, Puntland President Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Mahamud was invited to address the crowd including the graduates. the president gave congratulation to the graduates and PSU family as hall, also the president gave special thanks to the vice chancellor who was one of the founders of Puntland State University for his effort, patience and hardworking. The president mentioned the importance of knowledge; the establishment of this University and government plan towards the development of the education and educated youth, finally the president awarded the student their certificates and encouraged them to exploit their skills and training and be self-employed. The graduates were with enthusiasm and excitement about the new possibilities feeling of empowerment, ready to go out and take on new challenges and achieve new success. It was a round 12:15pm when the ceremony was concluded and adjourned.

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole responded questions asked by university students and intellectuals about several current issues on Friday.  The question and answers meeting organized by SOMALI SAT TV, was held at Puntland State University where sstudents got opportunities to ask questions to the president on numerous issues mostly about Puntland. There were Puntland officials including vice president Abdisamad Ali Shire and cabinet and parliamentarians were present at the meeting. Questions asked to the president were about ,Puntland’s oil exploration, election, security, Journalism laws, formation of political parts, and job creation for the young talented generation of Puntland. President was very optimistic on all questions asked by university students and other participants .President said, Puntland is going to the right direction of prospect and development, and people should support their government . When asked to give brief information about the first oil exploration made in Somalia for 20 years which is being made in Puntland , he says, Puntland will soon see its dream, and Puntland people as well as whole Somali people would benefit the project, he says no one would be rich in one day. President said he was very happy to be with students of Puntland Universities particularly PSU and East Africa , the major universities in Puntand. “ We have been in the power for 3 years and 3 months. We did a lot. The first 100 days our tenure we did a lot of positive things, and until now the development is going on and on” said the president “ We had emphasized economy , security, development, democratization process and forming political parts” he said. Important Questions and Answers Question: How do you see if Puntland goes to democratization process and political parties? Answer: “ Most of people in this hall don’t have concept about political parts, but they may understand how the world works and how developed world works. 15 April would be turning point of Puntland; Puntland would have new constitution which is the most concrete pillars of government. .. If it is not possible people to vote their constitution, then representatives from the people could do so, and this way is an international way in which many countries practiced…. Puntland wants to initiate change, and Puntland would leave before it has been left.… Question: Does Puntland government have plans to create jobs , and how Puntland create jobs for freshly graduated students? Answer “It is apparent there are job scarcity , but Puntland created a lot of job for its People . and developing and creating job for graduated students is the part of our Plan .Puntland institutions such Health and education sectors employ a lot of students , but power of Puntland to employ all the people is minimal. Our policy is to create jobs in private sectors for example making free enterprise . UN agencies and NGOs in Puntland employ number of puntlanders. ..Government would emphasize to boost what we call “ Labour intensive project” particularly for unskilled or semiskilled People . We brought an international companies in Puntland , we are exploring oil in Dharor and Nugal valley wich could create many jobs for the people. Turkish Government is also helping us to build a large school where students can learn technical skills”. Question How does Puntland government protect the lives of people and property damaged by foreign vessels who say they are chasing Pirates in Puntland ? Answer: “No one could justify piracy , Pirates tarnished the dignity of Somali people particularly Puntland, where Piracy starts functioning … Piracy starts when foreign vessels who were exterminating our fish sources bribed fisherman, then fisherman started piracy to earn a lot of money. With the help of European union we will train our navy to protect our sea from pirates. Piracy affects the basic life of Somali people; there is price hike in every where” Question: Is Puntland government planning to make Constitutional Court? Answer “Sharia and Law is very important sector for Puntland, and I am very happy to see Puntland institutes teaching Law.: People have right to get protection , and people them selves should now their rights , that is another important point” “Criminals should be rewarded for their crime ,and every citizen should live with peace and freedom , to protect the right of citizens is our first priority , when the new constitution approved on 15th April , then constitutional court could be implanted.” Question: What is the plan of the government for Environmental protection? And does Puntland have department for awareness and teaching youth patriotism and love of the country? Answer: “ These are the best questions being asked yet. On environment Question, I am going to tell you live stock pose threat to the environment , people may not now that, , on the other hand Puntland prohibited charcoal export from whole Puntland , this was done by previous governments, may be charcoal could be used by the people. There was a program in which government helped to be implemented which was using Gas instead of charcoal, but it is still under process… We also expect 25 Million euro project for to support Gas usage for cooking .People them selves could also take part, environment preservation. . “The question related love of the country and awareness. Puntland has ministry of Youth which its job is to develop such programs. We also plan to inaugurate a Television and A.m radio which all Puntlanders could access simply . We are not able to talk the people individually, but this is the job of media and we will implement such developed media. Private media always exaggerate negatives of Puntland, but I tell them to the positives of Puntland. You tell when two girls fight , why don’t you tell the positives”.               Source: http://www.Puntlandi.com

In mid January 2012 KIU vice chancellor Professor Mohamed Ndaula paid a historic visit to PSU with the official invitation of PSU President, Mohamud Hamid Mohamed. After landing from Galkayo Airport, the vice chancellor was received and accompanied by his counterpart PSU president in his journey of six hours drive to Garowe. The Vice chancellor visit came after PSU president met with him back in 2007 and in 2010 wrote to him officially requesting KIU through the vice chancellor to forge academic relations with Puntland State University. The vice chancellor was welcomed by all PSU staff in Garowe including the lecturers and after wards a get together dinner scheduled in advance was taken whereby all the members of PSU staff was introduced to the vice chancellor. The following morning, the Vice chancellor was taken around PSU campus by his counterpart PSU president Mohamud Hamid Mohamed and some other senior PSU staff and he was delighted to see the vast space, infrastructure and materials that PSU possessed. Among other places, the vice chancellor toured during his visit include: UNFPA Office, UNDP, Education institutions, and the ministry of Education. As per schedule, the vice chancellor held a meeting with all PSU staff and made some presentation about the purpose of his visit and the institution he was representing. In his presentation he has first thanked PSU president who invited him to come to Somalia-Puntland and afterwards briefly described the purpose of his visit and thus said that He came to PSU to forge a relationship between KIU and PSU. The Vice chancellor afterwards made some power point presentation about the history of KIU, Courses offered, fee structures, Resources and the total number of students studying at KIU. He thanked PSU staff for their warm welcome and for showing interest in developing their society through education. The Signing of the memorandum of Understanding A memorandum of understanding between Puntland State University and Kampala International University regarding Masters Program was presented and signed before the vice chancellor went back to Uganda. The MoU was signed in a ceremony that brought together people from all works of life and the ceremony took place at Puntland State University’s Main Hall. Among some of the dignitaries in attendance and worth mentioning is Deputy Minister of Education, Director Generals of different ministries, UNDP head of Puntland, IOM Senior officers, Local leaders, students, and among others. The MoU signed had different articles which showed the commitments and responsibilities of both institutions going into the agreement. The MoU Clearly illustrates that Kampala International University will offer masters Program in liaison with Puntland State University. It was agreed by both institutions that the program will kick start with three courses (Masters of Business Administration, Master of Development and Master of Project Management). It was also made clear that, the certificate will be issued by Kampala international University and PSU will host the program with the provision of all facilities and materials required for the smooth running of the program. The lecturers of the program will come from Kampala International University and PSU to admit and register those students willing to join the program. After the vice chancellors presentation, PSU president thanked the entire participant and afterwards termed the MoU ceremony a historic event that will contribute to the education and the development of the Somali people specially those in Puntland. Local leaders who were given chance to say something praised the MoU and thanked those people who made this initiative possible including PSU president Mohamoud Hamid Mohamed. They also said that they will welcome any developmental aspect that may contribute to the development of their society. At last they have showed how happy they were to see the presence of KIU vice chancellor and the signing of the MoU.

The historic Garowe I & II Consultative Conferences held at Puntland State University in December, 15-17/02/2012 and February 23-26/12/2011 respectively. The meetings brought together the signatories of the transition roadmap, government leaders, international community representatives and members of the civil society. Among the signatories present were: H.E. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of the Transitional Federal Government, Hon. Sharif Sheikh Hassan, the Speaker of Transitional Federal Parliament, H.E. Prof. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Prime Minister of TFG, H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Sheikh Mohamed Mohamud Farole, President Puntland State of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Aalin, President of Galmudug, Khalif Abdulkadir Moalim, representatives of Ahlu Sunna wal Jamma’a. Some of the factors why Puntland Government chose to conduct the conference at Puntland State University’s campus include the vast space, its strategic location and the availability of enough meeting halls and technical materials with advanced technology. All the above factors were important to the success of the conference. To start with, the vast space would be able to hold the big number of people attending the conference The participants and Somali leaders appreciated the tireless efforts and honest assistance and support provided by the university staff in serving and hosting the fruitful meetings, which were named Garowe I & II Principles. President of TFG H. E Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the Speaker of TFG Parliament H. E. Sharif Hassan Sh. Adam,  the Prime Minister of TFG H.E. Prof. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, and President of Puntland government of Somalia H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Sheikh Mohamed Mohamud Farole gave special thanks to Puntland State University’s Staff and the students for their contribution towards the hosting of the important conferences. PSU staffs, especially the management staff showed a tireless work in making sure that both Garowe 1 and Garowe 11 consultative conference ends successfully. Much appreciation goes to PSU president who has been optimistic about both conferences and has been always in the forefront in making PSU a world class University. The successive Garowe 1 & II conferences ended successfully by reaching a political agreement on ending the transition roadmap and laying the foundation for a new constitutional order.

Thursday was a happy day for many, especially PSU grandaunts and PSU family as a whole. It was around 8:00 am in the morning when PSU graduation ceremony for Batch II and III kicked off. The ceremony started with happiness as it was witnessed from the smiling and lovely faces of many grandaunts and parents who were attending the ceremony. The master of ceremony (mc) called for a sheikh to open the ceremony with word of prayer and the sheikh in turn took the floor and recited suratul-Fatiha hence opened the ceremony. There after, PSU president Mohamud Sheikh Hamid was invited to address the crowd including the grandaunts. The president began his speech with a warm greeting to the crowd and congratulation for the graduates. The presidents mentioned something about the historical evolution of Puntlad State University and the challenges it faced since it foundation. He stressed one thing, and said “many people approached me and told me not to integrate the college into university, fearing that the initiative may fail”. To mention but few, the president also informed the attendants about the relationship that the university created with many international educational institutions such as Kampala International University, African Virtual University, Kenyatta University and U.S International University and among others. The President of PSU also highlighted that, there are some students that graduated from PSU in the last graduation ceremony and happened to secure postgraduate scholarship from Kampala International University through Somali RAN umbrella which manages a scholarship fund that is given to a number of universities every year. The president concluded his speech with many thanks to all invited that showed up for the wonderful gradation ceremony and best wishes to the grandaunts for their future endeavors. After the long and moving speech by PSU Presidents, some other renowned people in Puntland were invited to address the participants and among them were, Assistant minister of education, Assistant Minister of Women, Development and Family, State Minister for Good Governance Garowe Golis Telecommunication Director and nation-Link managing Director A very wonderful drama on the importance of education and the quality education at Puntland State University was presented and made many people especially the grandaunts to enjoy and appreciate it. The students who graduated in this second graduation ceremony were 63 in number; Thirty three (33) of these students were graduating with bachelors of Public Public administration while the remaining thirty students (30) graduated with bachelors of Business Administrations. At long last, the students were awarded with their certificates by the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Ministry of labor, youth and Sports. The students who passed with excellent grades were awarded some presents by Golis and Nation link telecommunication companies. The awards were composed of mobile handsets, Sim cards and among others. It was a round 12:30pm when the ceremony was concluded and adjourned.

On the 10th of November 2011, Puntland State University (PSU) joined the rest of the Association of African Universities in celebrating the African University Day. The event was held at the university main university Conference Hall in Garowe, the capital city of Puntland State of Somalia. The theme of the ceremony was Harmonization of Curricula and Qualifications in Higher Education in Africa: Challenges and prospects. The participants included staff from the international agencies based in Garowe, Government ministries led by the Ministry of Education, Somali intellectuals and community leaders. In his opening remarks to mark the occasion, the PSU President, Mohamud Hamud Mohamed, highlighted the importance of the AAU as a representative forum for articulating African higher education issues in Africa and the world: “member institutions shared a common goal geared towards continuous enhancement of educational standards and research activities for human development in Africa”. The president mentioned that the brain-drain was one of the greatest challenges which African people were facing. He emphasized the need to make African universities more independent from the donation of external agencies. The president also noted that some Somali universities had formed an umbrella known as SOMALIREN which is a full member of the UNBUTUNET Alliance. During the discussions on the 2011 African University Commemoration theme, many eminent persons contributed their views in the ceremony. One of those who raised some important issues was Prof. Mohamed Said Samatar, who is a senior economist, former professor of Somali National University and member of teaching and consultant staff of PSU.  He pointed out the main challenges which African Universities are facing. He said, ‘’the constraints of African Universities are shortage of resources: textbooks and well established research centers.” He further mentioned in his speech the need for relevant curriculum which can address the needs of the African Societies. He also appreciated the progress made by PSU although it was a newly established institution where everything was started from the scratch. – Mr. Mohamed Hassan Barre, Director Puntland Electoral Commission, appreciated the establishment of PSU. “I really impress the sustainability of PSU” said the director. He encouraged that the establishment of research centre which could take part the development process and restoration of peace and stability in the country.  – Director of the  Higher Education Commission of Puntland, Mr. Abdullahi Ali Jamja congratulated PSU for being member of AAU. He pledged that the commission would present the drafted policy for the higher education institution of Puntland which could give the institutions clear guidelines. “The commission will make advocacy for the institutions and provide capacity building programs” said the director. . Finally, the president of the university closed the ceremony, sending best wishes to the all members of the AAU.