Why Hargeisa University graduates have difficulty finding jobs in Somaliland?

Hargeisa 8 June 2009 (Somalilandpress) — The president of University of Hargeisa Dr Bulxan spoke about the lack and difficulties of job opportunities that is currently facing the 247 graduate students from class of 2009. He believes he has found the answer as to why so many of their graduates are unemployed.

At a press conference Dr Bulxan informed the media and faculties that "247 graduates from Hargeisa University are still unemployed and currently hanging around coffee shops in the city". The reason behind the unemployment of these graduates appears to be from the English language based entrance exam. Majority of corporations and NGOs in the country require a computer based English entrance exam that nearly all of the students are not familiar with. Dr Bulxan said "when the graduates go to job interview they are given a computer based English exam that most are not prepared for."

Too often students do not relate school to real-world experience. Only 4% of University of Hargeisa's faculties are qualified to lecture in English and is seen as major contributing factor. According to the university's president all 247 graduates will be informed to return to the university where they will go under rigorous seven month training on computer literacy and English language sessions.

One student who is currently attending the university who wished not to reveal his name blamed the issue on the faculties and the university's lecturers. "Many of the lecturers at various faculties consist of young men who graduated from Indian institutions - often their qualifications are not verified nor do they have real world experience themselves" he told Somalilandpress.

Unemployment is widespread in Somaliland even though people are hungry to learn and discover knowledge. Many of the Somaliland students attend schools and the countries has number of universities including American university [Eelo American University], private Ethiopian University [Admas University College] and number of local universities. Somaliland also maintains education ties with nations such as South Africa.

This means theres more graduates every year while unemployment remains high due to the lack of capacity building by the government and limited size of the private sector and its inability to create a sufficient number of work opportunities for the country's workforce. The reality is there are more graduates than vacancies as Somalilanders seek education over wars and piracy.

Many youths like this students try to migrate to the West by risking their lives by taking boats and paying smugglers - many often drown in high seas.

Source: SomalilandPress