By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 3 September 2026 - Accessing information from SIMAD University may no longer require visiting offices or waiting in queues following the university's launch on Thursday of "OGAAL SIMAD Chat," an artificial intelligence-powered assistant.
OGAAL was developed by the SIMAD AI Institute using official information from the university. It is designed to help students, parents, staff and the wider community access information about services, academic programs, offices and procedures.
The system allows users to ask questions in Somali and English to make university information more accessible.
SIMAD AI Institute Director Yahye Abukar Ahmed said OGAAL was designed to reduce the need for students and parents to physically visit the university.
"The purpose of creating OGAAL is to make it easier for people and students to meet their needs and obtain information from SIMAD University without having to come to the university," Ahmed said.
More from Somalia
OGAAL provides information on admissions and registration, tuition fees and payments, colleges and courses, university services and student support.
To develop the system, the institute used a database containing more than 63 official documents, 35 offices, centres and institutes, 40 records related to leadership and contacts, and more than 1,250 data points.
The launch is part of the institute's broader efforts to advance artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation in Somalia.
The university said OGAAL will serve as a digital gateway, enabling people to quickly access information without having to visit campus in person.