By M.A. Egge
The President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro formally inaugurated the 2026 national certificate examinations for both primary and secondary schools at Farah Omar Secondary School in Hargeisa.
This year witnesses the highest ever number of candidates sitting for the exams at a go in both categories with a total of 42 519.
Invigilation centres where the exams are being undertaken has been set up all across the nation, both at regional and district levels. It’s a centralized system in which all exams are undertaken at the same time.
The Head of State kicked-off the occasion by personally opening the question papers and distribute it in a class at the school.
The annual examinations assess students’ academic achievement and serve as a key measure of the quality and integrity of Somaliland’s national education system.
This year’s examinations have set a new national record, with 42,519 students sitting for the intermediate and secondary school certificate exams—the highest number in Somaliland’s history; 16,123 sitting for the secondary certificate and 26,119 in the primary exams.
A further 277 candidates are enrolled in technical and vocational training centres, (TVET).
Addressing the event, President Abdirahman Irro congratulated underscored the importance of education in shaping a nation’s future hence encouraged all candidates; wishing them success and expressing confidence that their results would reflect the hard work, dedication, and knowledge they had acquired throughout their studies.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Training and Science, the National Examinations Office, the Somaliland Police Force, teachers, and all other stakeholders for their efforts in organizing, securing, and successfully administering the nationwide examinations.
The official launch marks the beginning of this year’s examination process across Somaliland, with thousands of students taking a significant step toward advancing their education and future careers.