GAROWE — The Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Puntland has officially announced the results of the 2025/2026 Grade 12 national secondary school examinations, revealing a strong overall performance by students across the region .
According to the ministry, a total of 8,923 students sat for this year’s examinations. The results show that 8,205 students, representing 92% of all candidates, successfully passed the examinations and will be eligible to pursue higher education at universities in Puntland, Somalia, and abroad .
Meanwhile, 718 students (8%) failed the examinations, while the results of 35 students (0.39%) were canceled due to examination irregularities . The announcement reflects continued growth in Puntland’s education sector, with thousands of students now expected to transition to university studies following the release of the results .
The number of Grade 12 candidates increased from 8,413 in the 2024–2025 academic year to 9,153 this year, reflecting wider participation in Puntland’s formal exam system at key transition stages from secondary to higher education .
Growth and Challenges in Puntland’s Education Sector
The announcement comes amid broader developments in Puntland’s education sector. Puntland Acting President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor has inaugurated certificate examinations for thousands of students across the region, underscoring the regional government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector .
Research into Puntland’s education system has identified several challenges affecting student performance. A study published in the International Journal of Educational Development found that teacher shortages and inadequate training significantly contribute to lower scores in key subjects . The dominance of private education and limited regulatory oversight leads to inconsistent educational standards, while social media usage among students also contributes to declining performance .
Despite these challenges, the 2025/2026 results demonstrate notable progress. Of those who passed, a significant number will transition to university studies, contributing to the development of Puntland’s human capital. Efforts to improve educational access have also included programs for vulnerable populations, with a focus on girls and boys in displacement situations receiving safe, quality pre-primary and primary education .
A 2024 study on twelfth-grade academic performance in Puntland examined the factors contributing to the decline in student performance, identifying regulatory weaknesses, an underqualified teaching workforce, and social media as significant factors influencing academic outcomes .
Commitment to Education
The release of examination results is part of Puntland’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its education system. The regional government has emphasized the importance of education in building human capital and supporting long-term development, with acting President Lugatoor underscoring the regional government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector. Programs targeting literacy among women and children have also been implemented, with volunteers like Nasteho Mohamed Warsame working to improve literacy among vulnerable populations .
Critical Note
The 92% pass rate in Puntland’s Grade 12 examinations represents a significant achievement for the region’s education system and reflects the dedication of students, teachers, and education officials. The increase in candidate numbers from 8,413 to 9,153 demonstrates growing participation in secondary education, which is a positive indicator for human capital development in Puntland.
However, the 718 students who failed and the 35 whose results were canceled due to irregularities highlight ongoing challenges in the education system. Research has identified persistent issues including teacher shortages, inadequate training, regulatory weaknesses, and the impact of social media on student performance. Without sustained investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and educational infrastructure, the quality of education may not keep pace with enrollment growth.
The Puntland government must address these challenges to ensure that the increasing number of students in the education system receive quality education that prepares them for higher education and the workforce. The international community should continue to support Puntland’s education sector while encouraging accountability and transparency in the management of educational resources.
