Governance & Structure
Governance
The SIMAD AI Institute operates under SIMAD University’s Research & Consultancy Division, led by the Deputy Rector, ensuring strong governance, accountability, transparency, and academic integrity
The Institute is headed by the Director of the SIMAD AI Institute, who provides strategic leadership, oversees research and innovation programs, and manages national and international partnerships. The Director ensures the delivery of high-quality, impactful AI research while promoting the ethical, responsible, and trustworthy use of Artificial Intelligence across all activities.
The Director also leads collaboration with government, industry, academia, and development partners, supports capacity-building across university faculties, and drives AI solutions that respond to Somalia’s national development priorities.
To ensure effective implementation and clear reporting lines, the Institute is organized into three core divisions, each led by a Coordinator who reports directly to the Director and oversees program delivery within their respective area.
Abdikariim Muhidin
Rector
Emaara
Deputy Rector
Dr Yahye Abukar
Managing Director
Laura Osteen
Managing Director
Our Structure
The structure promotes cross-faculty collaboration and alignment with the University’s research priorities. Our divisions include:
Our Division
The structure promotes cross-faculty collaboration and alignment with the University’s research priorities. Our divisions include:
Intelligent Research & Innovation Unit
Advances cutting-edge AI research, applied projects, and knowledge creation that address real world challenges
AI Education & Talent Development Unit
Builds national AI capacity through training, mentorship, certifications, and academic integration across disciplines
AI Lab & Innovation Hub
A hands-on environment for experimentation, prototyping, and startup incubation — where ideas become intelligent solutions
Tiffany Patrick
Web Creator
Tiffany Patrick
Web Creator
Tiffany Patrick
Web Creator
Tiffany Patrick
Web Creator
Tiffany Patrick
Web Creator