Garowe, Somalia — Puntland State University (PSU) celebrated it's first graduating class of the Islamic Sharia and Law Faculty on Wednesday in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

At the graduating ceremony in Garowe there were many special guests in attendance including Speaker of Parliament Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, Minister of Justice Dr. Abdi Khalif Ajaayo, Deputy Minister of Education Mohamed Abdullahi Bootan, Puntland Judges, UNDP officials and Islamic scholars.

Some of the special guests gave some words of encouragement and congratulations to the graduating class of 16 men and 7 women.

Speaker Hersi congratulated the class and said that they mustn't forget to give back to their community.

"I am proud to see the future of Puntland moving forward in their lives and I will remind you whether you pursue your education or join the work force you need to allot time to give back to your community," said Speaker Hersi.

After the colorful ceremony the graduating students spoke to Radio Garowe's Awil Jama on how they feel and their plans after graduation.

"I am really excited that I have graduated and I hope in the future that my graduating class will be the future legal officials for Puntland," said Abdullahi Farah Nur.

"I'm feeling very happy and I'm really excited that being the first graduating class I could set a trend for others and hopefully help change Puntland," said Hafso Osman Mohamed.

PSU established its Faculty of Sharia and Law in 2008 with cooperation by the UNDP Access to Justice Program. Established in 1999, PSU was initially a tertiary college but has undergone much progress throughout the years. Beginning with only 6 month courses in 1999, PSU now offers 4 faculties and is attended by hundreds of students.