Abstract: | Abstract: Somalia’s education was mainly affected by three periods,
namely: Post independence, the Military regime, and conflict and post
conflict period. The present study was designed to investigate the major
private higher education (PHE) challenges and opportunities in Somalia.
The data were collected through reviewing the available reports,
interviewing participants using instructed questionnaire and personal
communication with the education authorities. The Study revealed that,
with the exception of Somali National University, higher education, socioeconomic
development and entrepreneurship in Somalia depend on the
private sector. The study found that Somalia is facing complex and
multidimensional challenges in the areas of higher educational policies
and regulations, finance, academic infrastructures, student’s language
barrier and shortage of well-trained University teaching staff. However,
the private higher education and NGOs ensure employment for a
considerable number of graduands and sustain the socio-economic
development of Somali community despite of the long-term conflict
situation in the country. In conclusion, PHE plays the major role in
sustaining education, entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in
Somalia despite the painful situation of the country. Efficient
governmental rules and intervention in collaboration with the private
founders and regional donors like African Union, IGAD and educational
NGOs like UNESCO is of great value to face the above mentioned
problems and challenges. |