Mogadishu — Somalia’s Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, has directed residents occupying land belonging to Somali National University to vacate the area immediately, as authorities move forward with plans to redevelop the site, officials said.

The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony launching the modernization of the university, with initial work focused on the Gaheyr section. Officials described the project as part of a broader effort to restore and expand public education infrastructure.

“The land of the Somali National University is public property intended for community use, and it must be cleared to allow reconstruction,” the minister said during the event.

University President Mohamed Mahmoud also addressed the gathering, welcoming the start of the redevelopment and highlighting its significance for the institution’s future. He commended the Ministry of Education for prioritizing investment in higher education and upgrading university facilities.

The redevelopment initiative is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s higher education system and rehabilitate key national institutions.