MOGADISHU — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has extended his congratulations to Somali students who successfully passed the National Secondary School Certificate Examination, personally calling the top three students and their families to commend their outstanding achievement .
The Prime Minister praised the students, their parents, and teachers for their dedication, perseverance, and patience throughout their educational journey. He noted that the success achieved today is the result of the students’ hard work, the support of their parents, and the efforts of teachers and the wider education community .
“I congratulate the teachers, parents, and the entire Somali people, especially the education community. I say congratulations. A nation is built and transformed through its educated generation. Whenever our people learn, we move closer to positive change,” Prime Minister Hamza said .
Prime Minister Hamza also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Somali child of school age is left out of education, urging Somali parents to prioritize their children’s education .
He further pledged that the Federal Government would cover all educational expenses for the top three students to continue their studies at universities. The top three students are:
- Maxamed Ciise Daahir Yuusuf — Hawl-Wadaag, Mogadishu-Banaadir
- Farxiya Faarax Cumar Cigaal — Ahmed Bin Hambal, Kismayo-Jubaland
- Amino Khaalid Cabdalla Ahmed — Imaamu Shaafici (Sh. Madar), Mogadishu-Banaadir
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 Prime Minister’s recognition of the top students and his pledge to cover their university expenses are commendable, the broader challenges facing Somalia’s education sector remain significant. Despite the participation of over 40,000 students in the national 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.
