The leadership of the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) and senior officials from the University of Hargeisa held a high-level meeting today to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two institutions.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the existing partnership between SOLJA and the University of Hargeisa, with discussions focusing on areas of mutual interest, including journalism education, professional skills development, research, public awareness, and stronger collaboration between the media and academic institutions.

A key focus of the discussions was strengthening research and knowledge-sharing between the university and the media. Both sides highlighted the importance of ensuring that research, studies, and academic knowledge produced by the University of Hargeisa reach the wider public through the media. The participants also emphasized the important role of journalists and media organizations in communicating knowledge, raising public awareness, and strengthening links between educational institutions and communities.

The meeting further explored ways to establish stronger connections between media organizations and educational institutions, positioning the media as an important bridge between academia, researchers, and the wider public. Such cooperation would help facilitate the wider dissemination of research findings, information, and knowledge to communities.

As part of the commitment to expand the partnership, both sides agreed to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future. The MoU will provide a framework for future cooperation between SOLJA and the University of Hargeisa, with particular emphasis on education, professional training, research, public awareness, and the development of the journalism profession.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdirashiid Ismail Mohamed, Vice President for Administration and Development at the University of Hargeisa, and Abdilaahi Abdikariin Abdilaahi, Head of Administration and Finance.

Representing SOLJA were Shaafici Maxamed Ibrahim, Chairperson of SOLJA; Ismaaciil Axmed Ismaaciil, Executive Director; and Muna Ibrahim Dhakhtar, Secretary of SOLJA.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to building a stronger and more sustainable partnership that contributes to professional journalism, research, knowledge-sharing, and greater public access to academic information.