“It is an honour to be a part of the SIMAD family,” says Hon. Nura Mustaf Guudow, reflecting on the pivotal decision she made in 2008 to join SIMAD Institute during one of Somalia’s most unstable periods. As the youngest in her family and hailing from a small district, her choice was significant, not only because of the challenges of the time but also because it marked the start of her personal journey towards self-discovery and leadership. Today, as the State Minister of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, Nura looks back at SIMAD as the institution that shaped her character and built the foundation for her future.
SIMAD: A Meritocratic Community of Learning
Nura describes her experience at SIMAD as one that transcended education. Within its walls, she found a family-like environment based on merit, competence, and mutual respect, regardless of clan or region. The close bond between students and teachers was unique, creating an environment where everyone worked as a team. “From the orientation day, our teachers treated us like their own children, while still pushing us to be the best version of ourselves through rigorous academic challenges,” she recalls.
This nurturing yet competitive environment fostered a strong sense of community and built confidence in students like Nura. Her group, famously known as the ‘Brother’s Group,’ exemplified gender balance and collaboration, excelling in group projects and building long-lasting connections.
Growth and Leadership Development
Nura’s time at SIMAD played a crucial role in shaping her as a leader. In just six months, she rose to the top of her class, excelling in public speaking and presentations. The competitive and engaging academic culture helped her develop the mindset, confidence, and social skills necessary for leadership roles.
“Although no one could have predicted that I would become a minister, SIMAD prepared me to take on national and international responsibilities,” Nura asserts. She graduated in 2013, part of the first cohort to receive a degree after SIMAD transitioned into a university. She then pursued her master’s degree abroad, returning two years later to focus on making a tangible impact on her community.
Leadership in Action: National and International Roles
Nura’s post SIMAD journey has been a testament to the institution’s ability to cultivate future leaders. After working with the UN and in various humanitarian roles, she became a member of parliament in 2020 and is now balancing her role as State Minister of Education with her doctoral studies. Her dedication to improving and developing her community has remained central to her work, with a strong focus on advocacy and reform.
“I have the blessing of working alongside SIMAD’s founders, including H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdikadir, the Minister of Education, and Ustad Odowaa, my former rector. These relationships continue to inspire and challenge me in my role,” she shares.
Reforming Somalia’s Education Sector
As the State Minister of Education, Nura is now leading efforts to transform Somalia’s education system. Previously dominated by the private sector, the government is taking on a more active role in addressing key issues such as regulation, certification, and accreditation. Nura is spearheading reforms aimed at improving government funding for education, prioritizing research, and ensuring that Somalia’s education system can meet future challenges.
“While we are still behind global standards, we have made considerable progress, especially when you consider where we are coming from,” Nura notes. “We are now controlling examinations and certifications, and we are committed to creating solutions that will drive future development.”
Her journey from SIMAD to government leadership underscores the power of education as a transformative tool, both for individuals and nations. Hon. Nura Mustaf Guudow’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and the enduring impact of a strong educational foundation.
