Somaliland’s National Exam Participation Rebounds to a Four-Year High
Hargeisa (SLpost) – A total of 42,519 students from Grade 8 of primary schools and Form Four of secondary schools across Somaliland began sitting for the 2026 National Certificate Examinations on Saturday, marking the official start of one of the country’s most significant annual education assessments.
The examinations were officially launched by the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), at Farah Omar Secondary School in Hargeisa. The event was attended by senior government officials, education authorities, and representatives of the Somaliland National Examinations Office.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Cirro described the national examinations as a cornerstone of Somaliland’s education system, emphasizing that they serve as an objective measure of students’ academic achievement while helping to uphold the quality and credibility of national education standards.
The President congratulated all candidates sitting for this year’s examinations and encouraged them to approach the exams with confidence, discipline, and integrity. He also expressed appreciation to teachers, parents, examination supervisors, and security personnel for their collective efforts in ensuring the examinations are conducted smoothly and fairly.
Somaliland’s Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Ismail Duale Yusuf, also addressed the ceremony, stating that the number of students sitting for this year’s national examinations has increased compared to previous years.
The Minister said that more students are taking the Grade 8 and Form Four national certificate examinations this year, reflecting continued growth in student participation across Somaliland’s education system.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Somaliland National Examinations Office, Da’uud Ahmed Farah (Da’uud Gadh-weyne), announced that 42,519 students are participating in this year’s examinations. The figure includes candidates from both Grade 8 primary schools and Form Four secondary schools across Somaliland.
He noted that the National Examinations Office had completed all logistical and administrative preparations to ensure the examinations are conducted transparently, securely, and in accordance with national standards.
Four-Year Comparison of Candidate Numbers
A comparison of national examination statistics over the past four years shows fluctuations in student participation, followed by a steady recovery.
In 2023, approximately 41,000 students sat for the national examinations. This included around 25,000 Grade 8 students and 16,000 secondary school students, among them 3,243 candidates from the Sool region.
The number declined in 2024, when 38,489 students took the examinations, comprising 22,947 Grade 8 candidates and 15,542 secondary school candidates.
Participation increased again in 2025, reaching 40,749 students. Of these, 24,836 were Grade 8 candidates, while 15,696 were Form Four students.
This year, 2026, the total has risen to 42,519 candidates, representing the highest number of students to sit for Somaliland’s national examinations in the past four years.
What the Figures Indicate
The latest statistics suggest a gradual expansion in student participation after the decline recorded in 2024. The increase reflects continued growth in school enrolment and improved progression to examination level in both primary and secondary education.
However, education observers note that participation could have been even higher were it not for ongoing challenges affecting some parts of the country, particularly the situation in the Sool region, as well as economic hardships and other factors that continue to influence access to education.
Looking Ahead
The commencement of the national examinations marks an important milestone for thousands of Somaliland students preparing to advance to higher levels of education. With a record 42,519 candidates participating this year, the 2026 examination cycle represents a significant achievement for Somaliland’s education sector.
The examinations are expected to continue over the coming days under the supervision of the Somaliland National Examinations Office, with results to be announced after the completion of marking, verification, and quality assurance procedures.
Somalilandpost.news
Hargeisa, Somaliland
