The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Hargeisa has officially launched a new Bachelor of Primary Education (Top-Up Degree) Programme, marking a significant milestone in strengthening teacher education, professional development, and educational quality in Somaliland.
The newly introduced programme, described as the first of its kind in Somaliland, is designed to provide practicing teachers with an opportunity to upgrade their academic qualifications to a bachelor’s degree while continuing their professional teaching responsibilities.
The programme particularly targets diploma graduates of the National Teacher Training College (NTTC), enabling them to advance their educational qualifications through a structured academic pathway offered by the University of Hargeisa.
The official launching ceremony brought together a broad representation of stakeholders from the education sector, reflecting the significance of the initiative and the collective commitment to strengthening teacher education in Somaliland.
The event was attended by senior leadership and officials of the University of Hargeisa, representatives of the Ministry of Education, senior representatives of Windle Trust International (WTI) and Save the Children, and representatives of the Somaliland Private Schools Association (SOPSA).
Also in attendance were principals and administrators of both public and private secondary schools, highlighting the engagement of educational institutions and partners in supporting teachers’ academic and professional advancement.
The participation of these institutions and stakeholders underscored the importance of collaboration among universities, government authorities, development organisations, and schools in improving teacher qualifications and advancing educational standards.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Primary Education Top-Up Degree Programme is the result of collaborative efforts between the University of Hargeisa and the Ministry of Education, reflecting their shared commitment to improving teacher qualifications, strengthening the teaching profession, and advancing the quality of primary education across Somaliland.
This initiative addresses an important professional development need by creating an accessible pathway for diploma-qualified teachers to pursue university-level education without having to leave their existing teaching positions.
By providing opportunities for academic progression, the programme is expected to contribute to the development of a more qualified and professionally equipped teaching workforce, ultimately supporting improved teaching and learning outcomes in primary schools.
The programme will commence with its first cohort of 26 students, representing an important step in expanding higher education opportunities for practicing teachers.
Of these students, 16 will receive full scholarships from Windle Trust International (WTI), demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to supporting teacher education, professional capacity development, and access to higher education.
The scholarship support will enable selected teachers to pursue their bachelor’s degrees while reducing financial barriers to their academic advancement.
The University of Hargeisa acknowledges the valuable contribution of Windle Trust International in supporting this initiative and expanding opportunities for teachers seeking to strengthen their professional qualifications.
Another major announcement during the launching ceremony was the introduction of a flexible weekend teaching schedule for all academic programmes offered by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Under the new arrangement, classes will be conducted on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, creating more accessible learning opportunities for practicing teachers who are engaged in full-time teaching responsibilities throughout the working week.
This initiative particularly considers teachers who work both morning and afternoon shifts, making it challenging for them to attend conventional university classes.
The revised schedule will allow these teachers to pursue higher education during their weekly days off, enabling them to balance professional responsibilities with academic development.
The introduction of this flexible learning arrangement reflects the University’s continued efforts to make higher education more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of working professionals.
The launch of the Bachelor of Primary Education Top-Up Degree Programme represents an important contribution to the professionalisation of teaching and the strengthening of Somaliland’s education sector.
Through this initiative, diploma-qualified teachers will have an opportunity to deepen their pedagogical knowledge, strengthen their classroom competencies, and obtain higher academic qualifications that support their professional growth.
The programme also demonstrates the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions, government ministries, development partners, and educational institutions in addressing educational needs and creating sustainable opportunities for professional advancement.
Through the introduction of this pioneering programme, the University of Hargeisa reaffirms its commitment to advancing teacher education, promoting lifelong learning, and contributing to the continuous improvement of education quality in Somaliland.
