Ethiopia’s Somali Region Offers University Scholarships to Galmudug Students

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Students from Somalia’s Galmudug state are to receive undergraduate scholarships at a university in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, following an initiative announced by regional President Mustafe Mohammed Omar to expand educational opportunities for young people across the border.

The offer came after a telephone conversation between Mustafe and Galmudug’s newly elected leader, Liibaan Ahmed Hassan, with the scholarships intended for students who have completed secondary school, Galmudug’s Education Ministry said.

The initiative will provide places at Qabridahare University, although the number of scholarships available and the cost of the programme have not been disclosed.

The scholarships come as many young Somalis face financial and practical barriers to university education, including limited access to affordable institutions and the cost of studying away from home.

Galmudug’s Education Ministry said candidates would be selected through an open competition, with details on eligibility and registration to be announced later.

Mustafe offered the scholarships to mark Liibaan’s election as Galmudug leader, the ministry said, describing the initiative as an investment in the education and future prospects of young people.

The offer also highlights educational links between Galmudug and Ethiopia’s Somali Region, whose communities share close cultural and linguistic ties across an international border.

The initiative’s reach will depend on the number of places offered and the selection criteria, which have yet to be made public.