Private Higher Education in Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities for Skills Development, Employment Creation and Entrepreneurship

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.