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MOGADISHU — The Mogadishu Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Faculty of Health Sciences, affiliated with the University of Health Sciences (UHS), proudly celebrated the graduation of 172 students in a vibrant ceremony held in the Somali capital.
The event, held on Monday, was a reflection of UHS’s commitment to cultivating qualified healthcare professionals. Filled with joy, pride, and heartfelt moments, the ceremony echoed the university’s guiding philosophy of placing “humanity first.”
Hosted by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Raşit Gündoğdu, the event drew notable attendees including senior Somali government officials, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş, representatives of Turkish institutions operating in Somalia, and the families of the graduates.
Prof. Dr. Kemalettin Aydın, Rector of UHS, addressed the ceremony virtually. In a powerful and emotional speech, he emphasized that the day represented more than a graduation—it was a fulfillment of a civilizational vision.
“This ceremony is not merely about conferring diplomas. It stands as a bridge of civilization built on brotherhood and devoted hearts. In regions long neglected by the global system and drained by exploitative structures, we are proud to train healthcare professionals grounded in knowledge, compassion, and a love for humanity,” he said.
A Beacon of Hope
He continued: “At UHS, we do more than educate—we build lasting bonds of the heart and embrace a historical duty. Every healthcare worker trained here in Somalia will not only serve patients but will also become a voice for the voiceless and a conscience for humanity.”
Prof. Aydın also paid homage to Sultan Abdulhamid II, crediting him with laying the intellectual foundations for the university through the establishment of the Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane, which blended scientific rigor with compassion centuries ago.
He expressed deep gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who revived this vision in modern times by founding the University of Health Sciences in 2015, and leading Türkiye’s expansion in global health education.
“Our university will continue to shine as a beacon of hope, not only in Türkiye but across all regions of our shared cultural geography. This is a service to both God and humanity.”
A Strategic Partnership
Ambassador Alper Aktaş underscored the strength of the Türkiye–Somalia relationship, noting that it has evolved from simple friendship into a strategic partnership.
He praised the Erdoğan Faculty of Health Sciences as a model institution for health education, not just in Somalia, but across Africa. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s long-term commitment to supporting Somalia in healthcare, education, and humanitarian efforts.
From Seeds to a Strong Tree
Somalia’s Minister of Education, Nura Mustaf Mukhtar, reflected on the historic partnership between the two nations, tracing it back to Türkiye’s emergency humanitarian intervention during the 2011 famine.
“Today, we are witnessing how those early seeds have grown into a strong and fruitful tree,” she said.
The Minister expressed special pride in the graduates—especially those from the Emergency Aid and Disaster Management Department—and offered her congratulations to all students, with specific mention of those in Nursing and Midwifery programs.
“We Worked Hard to Succeed”
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Fowsiya Abdikadir expressed her gratitude, saying that their education at UHS equipped them not only with academic knowledge but also with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose.
“We worked hard to get here. I am truly grateful to our university and to everyone who supported us along the way.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, the traditional cap-tossing celebration, and group photographs capturing the joy and accomplishment of the day.
Source: TRT GLOBAL Origin: view original
