The 2024 convocation ceremony of Red Sea University in Bossaso, Somalia, took place on 19 December 2024, in the presence of the graduates from six different faculties. This occasion also marked a moment to celebrate the academic progress and the commitment to research the university has manifested in addressing the societal issues in Somalia. It was a day of optimism and hope for a better future.
The opening remarks were made by Eng. Maxamed Cismaan Nuux, the president of Red Sea University, who said that he was happy to see a generation of students prepared to lead a promising future. He noted that the university serves as a center for research and innovation to address Somalia’s most pressing challenges. Then Mr. Fu’aad Xasan Cali, the Chief Registrar, stated that the graduated students had fully satisfied all the academic requisites, meeting the university’s rigorous standards
The graduation of students was officially approved by Mr. Cabdiraxmaan Cabdirisaaq Cabdiraxmaan, the Chairman of the University Board of Directors, upon the recommendations of the academic committee. He acknowledged the efforts of the students and affirmed their accomplishments worthy of the degrees given. Prof. Cabdullaahi Sheekh Xasan (Former President of Red Sea University), who delivered the guest of honor remarks praised the graduating students for their hard work and encouraged them to work on using their knowledge and education to solve societal challenges, especially in education and healthcare.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the graduating students, Ms. Faa’iso Xasan Axmed, thanked the parents, teachers, and the university administration for the unwavering support. She promised that the graduates would use their education to give back to the community. For his part, Mr. Cabdirisaaq Maxamuud Siciid, Chairman of the Red Sea University Student Union, congratulated his colleagues and congratulated them for overcoming many challenges and stressed the important role they play in the advancement and development of Somalia.
Corporate stakeholders also contributed to the ceremony. Eng. Deeq Cali Muuse, the Golis Telecom representative urged the graduates to utilize their education to advance themselves, while also serving their communities. He noted Golis has been a longtime partner with the university. Mr. Maxamuud Cali Nuur from Premier Bank, noted the bank’s historical employment of graduates from the university and expressed their commitment to providing job opportunities. Mr. Siciid Maxamed Salaad, from Salaam Bank who happen to be an alumni of the university itself, expressed hope that today’s graduates would also go on to serve their communities, and offered support to those who have aspirations of entrepreneurship.
Messages from government representatives were also powerful. The Minister of Ports and Marine Transport of Puntland, Mr. Shaakir Maxamed Guuleed noted the strides made in education over the years and wished the graduates good fortune in their future endeavors.
One of the traditional leaders’ representatives, Ugaas Cabdifataax Ugaas Yaasiin, called on private companies to hire more of the graduates. Xildhibaan Cabdiqani Faarax Dhaashane, a member Parliament in Puntland, emphasized the importance of aligning university research with labor market demands to reduce dependency on foreign labor.
Deputy Mayor of Bossaso Bashiir Siciid Faarax also commended the community impact of the university and pledged infrastructural development in its vicinity.
East Africa University president Dr. Cabdirisaaq Maxamuud Takar who congratulated the graduates noted that they have a role in transforming Somalia and in attaining the sustainable development.
The graduates and their families celebrated this milestone in an exciting ceremony that also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the development of learners and relevant solutions to this societal challenge. It marked an important milestone in the creation of opportunities for establishing a whole new regime of cooperation between academia, government, and the private sector with Somalia as a common project and a common goal.
