Ministry of Higher Education and Research

Overview

The Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche (MENSUR) is the governmental body responsible for overseeing higher education and research in the Republic of Djibouti. Established in 2002, MENSUR plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's educational landscape, ensuring the development and implementation of policies that enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education. The ministry's responsibilities encompass the regulation of public and private higher education institutions, the promotion of scientific research and the establishment of academic standards aligned with national development goals.

History and Legal Framework

In 2011, MENSUR was formally established through the enactment of Law No. 162/AN/12/6th L, which delineated its organizational structure and defined its competencies. This legal framework empowered MENSUR to execute policies and directives pertaining to higher education and research, thereby centralizing the governance of these sectors under a single ministry. The creation of MENSUR marked a significant step in Djibouti's commitment to advancing its educational system and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

Under the leadership of Dr. Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, who has served as Minister since 2011, MENSUR has focused on several key objectives:

• Expanding and diversifying the offerings of higher education institutions to meet the evolving needs of the labor market.
• Enhancing the quality of education through the development of infrastructure and the training of qualified faculty members.
• Promoting scientific research that addresses national and regional challenges.
• Facilitating international cooperation to enrich academic and research endeavors.

These objectives are aimed at positioning Djibouti as a regional hub for higher education and research, contributing to the nation's socio-economic development.

Governance, Structure and Independence

MENSUR operates as a public, non-profit entity under the direct authority of the Prime Minister's office. The ministry's structure includes various departments and agencies responsible for specific functions within the higher education and research sectors. Notably, MENSUR oversees institutions such as the University of Djibouti, the Centre d’Études et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD) and the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (ISSS). The ministry's governance ensures alignment with national policies while maintaining a degree of autonomy to effectively manage the higher education and research domains.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

MENSUR holds the primary responsibility for the accreditation and quality assurance of higher education institutions in Djibouti. This includes the establishment of standards for academic programs, the evaluation of institutional performance and the recognition of degrees and diplomas. The ministry's role is crucial in ensuring that higher education institutions meet the necessary criteria to provide quality education that aligns with international benchmarks.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MENSUR actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education and research in Djibouti. The ministry has established partnerships with various international organizations and academic institutions. For instance, MENSUR has worked with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) to promote the professionalization and digital transformation of higher education in the country. Additionally, the ministry has participated in initiatives such as the launch of the Observatoire régional de recherche sur l’environnement et le climat (ORREC), a regional research observatory focused on environmental and climate issues in the Horn of Africa. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources and best practices, contributing to the advancement of Djibouti's higher education and research sectors.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking forward, MENSUR aims to continue its efforts in strengthening the higher education and research sectors. The ministry's initiatives are expected to lead to:

• Increased enrollment in higher education institutions, reflecting the growing demand for advanced education.
• Improved quality of education through the implementation of modern teaching methods and curricula.
• Enhanced research output addressing local and regional challenges, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability and public health.
• Greater integration of digital technologies in education, facilitating access to learning resources and fostering innovation.

These developments are anticipated to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Djibouti, preparing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

Summary

The Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche (MENSUR) plays a central role in the development and governance of higher education and research in Djibouti. Through its strategic initiatives, the ministry aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of education, promote scientific research and foster international collaborations. Under the leadership of Dr. Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, MENSUR continues to work towards positioning Djibouti as a leader in higher education and research in the Horn of Africa.

FAQs

• What is the role of MENSUR?
  MENSUR is responsible for overseeing higher education and research in Djibouti, including the accreditation of institutions and the development of academic policies.
• When was MENSUR established?
  MENSUR was established in 2002 and formally organized in 2011 through the enactment of Law No. 162/AN/12/6th L.
• Who is the current Minister of Higher Education and Research?
  Dr. Nabil Mohamed Ahmed has served as the Minister since 2011.
• What institutions fall under MENSUR?
  MENSUR oversees the University of Djibouti, the Centre d’Études et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD) and the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (ISSS).
• Does MENSUR engage in international cooperation?
  Yes, MENSUR collaborates with various international organizations and academic institutions to enhance the quality of higher education and research in Djibouti.

Organization Name

Ministry of Higher Education and Research
Ministre de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche

Acronym

MENSUR

Year of Establishment

2002

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Rue de l'aéroport
Djibouti City
Djibouti

Phone

+253 21 35 12 10

Fax

+253 21 35 34 97

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministry of Higher Education and Research's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Ministry of Higher Education and Research's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Djiboutian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Djibouti.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.