Somali National University Opens Prof. Sharif Salah Theatre, Honouring a Pioneer of Education and Culture

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU — The Somali National University (SNU) on Wednesday officially opened a new grand theatre named after the late Prof. Sharif Salah, honoring one of Somalia’s most influential scholars and cultural figures.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, senior government officials, academics, artists, writers, and members of the public, who paid tribute to Prof. Sharif Salah’s lasting contribution to education, culture, and national development.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Hamza described the Somali National University as the backbone of higher education in the country and pledged continued government support to strengthen its role.

“The Somali National University is a leader. It leads higher education in this country, and I hope it will continue to be a good leader,” the Prime Minister said. “To truly fill that position, we will work to develop it and support its growth.”

He said naming the theatre after Prof. Sharif Salah was a fitting recognition of a man whose life was dedicated to knowledge, creativity, and public service, adding that Somalia must continue to honor its intellectuals and invest in education.

Prof. Sharif Salah was born in 1936 near the town of Xudur in Bakool region during a period marked by colonial rule and growing intellectual awareness. He grew up in an environment shaped by education, culture, and social consciousness, which laid the foundation for his academic and creative life.

He was among the pioneering scholars who helped establish higher education in Somalia and served as a senior lecturer and later president of the Somali National University. He played a central role in shaping the country’s university system and mentoring generations of students.

Prof. Sharif Salah was also a prominent researcher and a member of the committee that developed the Somali writing script, making him a key figure in the history of the Somali language.

Beyond academia, he was a major force in Somali arts and culture, particularly theatre. He wrote and directed plays, trained actors, and used theatre as a tool to promote social awareness, patriotism, and moral values. His work had a strong influence on students and the wider society.

Over his long career, he served as a diplomat, held senior political positions, chaired the Somali Language Committee, authored several books, and dedicated decades to teaching and public service.

The Chairman of the Somali Language Academy, Prof. Said Salah Ahmed, said Prof. Sharif Salah was a teacher, writer, researcher, diplomat, and seasoned politician who had served the nation since the 1950s.

Prof. Sharif Salah passed away in Mogadishu in 2014, leaving behind a rich intellectual, artistic, and patriotic legacy that continues to shape Somali education and culture.