Garowe(Mogadishu24)-Puntland State has announced the introduction of a one-year academic foundation program for students entering universities, following the federal government’s recent move to implement a similar requirement. This brings the total length of university studies to five years.

Mohamed Abdiaziz Qalid, Director of Planning for the Ministry of Education, stated that the decision was based on scientific research aimed at improving the quality of higher education in Puntland.

“The foundation year became necessary for our students, given the different circumstances throughout Somalia. Starting from this academic year, universities will implement the program, with oversight from the ministry,” Qalid said in a press conference.

Under the new system, the first degree will now require four years of study, plus the foundation year. While some educationists have expressed concerns that the additional year may be unnecessary, they have called for improvements in high school education standards as a more effective solution.