Somalia Considers TurkSom Academy as University Amid Strengthened Ties with Turkey

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Somali Government is considering recognizing the TurkSom Military Academy, a prominent Turkish military training institution in Somalia, as a university, according to the Minister of Education, Farah Sh. Abdulkadir.

The announcement was made during a discussion on Twitter Space, marking the tenth anniversary of the national exam administration, which has been conducted by the Federal Government since 2015.

“We are considering recognizing TurkSom as a university, and discussions are currently underway regarding this,” Minister Abdulkadir stated.

The TurkSom Academy has played a significant role in Somalia’s education and defense sectors, particularly in training over 6,000 troops for the Somali National Army. This move reflects the growing strategic partnership between Somalia and Turkey, with both nations recently signing agreements on security, economic development, and energy, including gas and oil.

Turkey has been a steadfast ally of Somalia, providing substantial support in the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The recognition of TurkSom as a university would further solidify this relationship and enhance the educational landscape in Somalia by offering higher education opportunities through military training.

Minister Abdulkadir also highlighted the progress made in improving the quality of education in Somalia over the past decade, indicating a continued commitment to enhancing educational standards and opportunities for Somali students.

The discussions to grant university status to TurkSom reflect Somalia’s broader goals of educational advancement and stronger international partnerships, particularly with Turkey, which has been a crucial partner in Somalia’s path towards stability and development.