The Faculty of Science is one of the historic academic foundations of Somali National University. Its roots lie in the university’s early science programmes, with Chemistry introduced in 1971 and Geology in 1973. The Faculty of Sciences was launched at Gaheyr Campus in 1974, bringing together fields such as geology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and biology. It was founded to build national scientific expertise and prepare graduates to serve Somalia’s development.

The collapse of the Somali state in 1991 severely disrupted higher education, and the university could not function as before for more than two decades. Laboratories, academic programmes and research activity were all affected, leaving the country with a serious shortage of trained scientists and technical professionals.

After SNU reopened in 2014, university management decided in 2019 to reopen the faculty, beginning with Geology and Marine Science. It has since grown to include Mathematics, Computer Science and Applied Chemistry. Based at the Gaheyr Campus, the faculty combines classroom teaching with laboratory work and independent research. Its programmes prepare graduates to contribute to Somalia’s natural resource management, technology, industry and education sectors.

Today, the Faculty of Science offers undergraduate programmes through its five departments, with a learning approach that is collaborative and student-centred. Students work closely with specialised professors on independent research and hands-on laboratory projects, building both scientific knowledge and practical skills. Looking ahead, the faculty aims to become an important centre of research in Somalia and East Africa, equipping graduates with the academic and research skills they need to succeed in the marketplace and contribute to national development.