Somalia Graduates First Master’s Class in Islamic Advocacy and Judiciary Studies

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has graduated the first cohort of master’s students in Islamic Advocacy and Judiciary Studies, marking a milestone for the country’s higher religious education as authorities seek to strengthen the capacity of Islamic scholars and judicial professionals.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended the graduation ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday, where the inaugural class completed postgraduate studies at the Higher Institute of Advocacy and Islamic Studies.

Congratulating the graduates, PM Barre urged them to apply their knowledge in promoting justice, upholding the rule of law and serving Somali society with integrity. He said graduates in Islamic studies had an important role in safeguarding religious values, fostering social cohesion and guiding communities.

The Prime Minister also said the government had introduced a national policy to standardise the teaching of Sharia studies across Somalia, with the aim of ensuring a unified curriculum based on what it described as sound Islamic principles.

The graduation comes as Somalia continues efforts to rebuild its education sector after decades of conflict, while investing in institutions aimed at strengthening governance, the justice system and religious scholarship.

Separately, PM Barre welcomed ongoing talks between the federal government and opposition political leaders over Somalia’s electoral process, describing dialogue as important for the country’s political development. He also called on political stakeholders to support national efforts to improve security and preserve national unity as the country continues military operations against Al Shabaab.

The graduation of the institute’s first master’s class is seen as an important step in expanding advanced Islamic legal and judicial education in Somalia, where religious scholars continue to play a significant role in public life and the administration of justice.