Adaptation Level of Internet of Things (IoT) in University Curricula: A Case Study on Mogadishu-Located Universities

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries globally, yet its integration into university curricula in developing and post-conflict contexts such as Somalia remains largely unexplored. This study examines the adaptation level of IoT within university curricula across 24 institutions in Mogadishu, Somalia, drawn from 56 contacted universities out of more than 120 higher education institutions registered in Somalia. A mixed-methods design combines systematic curriculum document analysis with thematic analysis of open-ended questionnaire data collected from six academic staff members (P1–P6). Findings reveal that only one institution (4.2%) offers IoT as a standalone subject, while all 24 sampled universities (100%) incorporate at least one IoT-related course. Thirteen distinct IoT-related subjects were identified, with Data Communication & Networking and Wireless & Mobile Computing being the most prevalent. Curriculum mapping against IoT architecture layers demonstrates that the network layer is most extensively covered (91.7%), while the application and cloud layer remains critically underrepresented (20.8%). Qualitative thematic analysis identifies infrastructure deficits (100%), curriculum overcrowding (83.3%), funding constraints (50%), and faculty shortages (33.3%) as principal barriers, while documenting a unanimous consensus on the need for IoT integration, high student interest, and an observable trend of students self-enrolling in external IoT training centers to bridge the institutional curriculum gap. The study contextualises findings within East African Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and Arab regional frameworks and concludes that Mogadishu universities possess meaningful curricular foundations but require strategic infrastructure investment, faculty development, and national policy coordination to advance toward dedicated IoT education programs.