MOGADISHU — The Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Federal Government of Somalia has officially announced the results of the Grade 12 National Secondary School Certificate Examination for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The Ministry confirmed that 40,037 students passed the examination, while 2,879 students did not meet the required standard. The national certificate exams were conducted across all regions of the country this year, with the Ministry stating that the process was carried out smoothly and with integrity.
The results were announced at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, the Deputy Minister, members of the education committee, representatives from the Banaadir Region, and other guests.
Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, addressed the ceremony and announced that exams would be quickly administered for students who missed the examination due to various circumstances, as their records and information are held by the Ministry.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre personally called the top three students to congratulate them on their achievement. He praised their dedication and hard work throughout their studies. The Prime Minister also confirmed that the Federal Government would cover all educational expenses for these students to continue their studies at universities.
Girls have previously dominated the top positions in the Banaadir region’s Grade 8 certificate examinations, securing nine out of the top ten spots, with Sumayo Hassan Abshir Aadan achieving a score of 96.88%.
Over 44,000 students passed the Grade 8 exams in Mogadishu, with a pass rate of approximately 96.8 percent and girls accounting for 45.47 percent of successful candidates.
Girls’ Education and National Achievements
Girls’ education has been a key priority for the government and international partners. The government has announced plans to award scholarships to 3,000 female students who excelled in national exams, promoting gender equity in education.
The Ministry of Education has listed several key achievements, including the recruitment of 3,000 additional teachers, scholarships for 3,000 girls, and the development of the first-ever Higher Education Act.
The National Education Consultation Conference recently brought together federal and state-level education ministers to coordinate and strengthen Somalia’s education sector.
Critical Note
While the announcement of the Grade 12 exam results and the recognition of top-performing students are positive developments, they also highlight the significant challenges facing Somalia’s education sector. Despite the participation of over 40,000 students in the exams, millions of children across the country remain out of school due to conflict, displacement, poverty, and lack of infrastructure. The education system continues to face severe resource constraints, with many schools lacking basic facilities, qualified teachers, and learning materials.
The government must prioritise investment in education, ensure that resources reach the most marginalised communities, and address the underlying drivers of educational exclusion. The Somali people, who have endured decades of conflict, deserve an education system that prepares their children for the future and contributes to the country’s long-term development.
