Nearly 40,000 Students to Sit Somalia National Exams in June

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia has announced the timetable for the 2025 national secondary school examinations, with nearly 40,000 students expected to sit the tests across the country next month.

The Ministry of Education said the examinations for secondary school students will run from June 20 to June 25 in all Federal Member States and the Banadir region, which includes the capital Mogadishu.

Education officials said about 40,000 candidates are expected to participate in this year’s exams, underscoring continued efforts to expand access to formal education and improve nationwide academic standards after decades of conflict and institutional disruption.

The officials described the national examinations as a key part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s education system through standardized testing and centralized oversight.

Last year, 38,471 students sat for the national secondary school examinations, according to government figures, reflecting a gradual increase in enrollment and participation rates in recent years.

Separately, the Banadir Regional Directorate of Education earlier announced that Grade 8 examinations in Mogadishu will take place from June 15 to June 18.

Somalia has in recent years increased investment in public education with support from international partners, although the sector continues to face major challenges including insecurity, limited infrastructure, shortages of qualified teachers and climate-related displacement affecting thousands of families.