By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA, Somaliland – The 2025/2026 national school certificate examinations officially commenced across Somaliland on Saturday morning, with tens of thousands of students turning out at testing centers in every region and district of the country.
A total of 42,293 candidates are participating in this year’s examination cycle, which marks a critical milestone in the academic calendar and serves as a gateway for students advancing through the education system.
The exams were formally inaugurated by the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), who underscored the government’s commitment to educational development and urged students to approach the assessments with diligence and honesty.
Candidate Breakdown by Education Level
The student cohort is distributed across two key academic tiers:
· 26,148 students enrolled in primary and intermediate schools
· 16,145 students enrolled in secondary (high) schools
This year’s candidate pool reflects the continued expansion of educational access across the territory, with participation spanning urban centers and remote rural communities alike.
Nationwide Coordination and Security Measures
The examinations are being administered simultaneously across all administrative regions, with testing venues established in major cities including Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera, and Erigavo, as well as in smaller district towns. The Ministry of Education has deployed thousands of invigilators, supervisors, and support staff to ensure the integrity and smooth operation of the process.
Enhanced security protocols have been implemented at all examination centers to prevent malpractice, while logistical teams have worked extensively to deliver examination materials to even the most isolated locations, ensuring equitable access for every registered student.
Presidential Address and National Commitment
In his opening remarks, President Cirro reaffirmed that education remains a top priority for his administration. He called on students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the academic year and to uphold the values of honesty and discipline throughout the examination period.
“We are investing in the future of our nation through our children,” the President stated. “These examinations are not merely an academic requirement—they are a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people and our educators.”
The Ministry of Education has also confirmed that contingency plans are in place to accommodate any unforeseen disruptions, including adverse weather or logistical challenges.
Results and Next Steps
The examination series will continue over the coming days, covering a comprehensive syllabus across core subjects including mathematics, sciences, languages, and social studies. Following the conclusion of the written tests, answer scripts will be collected and forwarded to centralized grading centers for assessment.
Preliminary results are expected to be released within several weeks, paving the way for student transitions—primary graduates moving on to secondary education, and secondary graduates preparing for higher education or vocational training opportunities.
A Resilient Education System
Despite the broader challenges facing Somaliland—including economic constraints and international non-recognition—the education sector has continued to demonstrate steady growth. The national examination system remains a cornerstone of the territory’s institutional framework, reflecting a sustained commitment to academic standards and youth empowerment.
This year’s examination cycle stands as yet another indicator of Somaliland’s determination to build a robust, self-reliant education system capable of preparing its next generation for the demands of the 21st century.
