HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Saturday officially launched Somaliland’s 2026 national certificate examinations, marking the beginning of one of the country’s largest education assessment exercises, with a record-breaking 42,519 students sitting for the exams nationwide.
The official launch ceremony took place at Farah Omar Secondary School in the capital, Hargeisa, where President Cirro formally opened the national examinations for both intermediate and secondary school students across the Republic of Somaliland.
The annual examinations serve as a critical benchmark to assess students’ academic performance and help ensure the quality, transparency and credibility of Somaliland’s national education system.
This year’s exam session has set a historic record, with 42,519 candidates registered — the highest number of students ever to sit national examinations in Somaliland since the country established its education certification system.
Speaking during the launch, President Irro congratulated students nationwide and encouraged them to approach the examinations with confidence and determination.
“I extend my congratulations to every student sitting for these national examinations today. I wish all of you success and hope your results reflect the hard work, knowledge and dedication you have built over many years of study,” President Irro said.
The Somaliland leader also praised institutions involved in organizing the examinations, thanking the Somaliland Ministry of Education and Science, the Somaliland National Examinations Office, security agencies, teachers and all education officials who contributed to ensuring the examinations begin smoothly across the country.
“A strong education system is the foundation of national development, and I commend everyone who has worked tirelessly to guarantee fairness, efficiency and credibility throughout this process,” the president added.
Meanwhile, Somaliland’s Minister of Education, Prof. Ismail Duale Yusuf, said students were well prepared ahead of the examinations.
The minister conducted inspection visits across examination centers in Hargeisa, where he assessed the overall administration process and met school administrators, invigilators and students.
During the inspection, he urged candidates to sit the exams with honesty, discipline and self-confidence while praising examination officials overseeing the process.
“Students have prepared well for this important national exercise. We encourage every candidate to take the exams honestly and confidently while maintaining integrity throughout the process,” said Prof. Ismail Duale Yusuf.
The minister said the inspections form part of the government’s wider monitoring efforts aimed at ensuring smooth implementation of the 2025-2026 academic year national examinations.
At the same time, Chairman of Somaliland’s National Examinations Office, Daud Ahmed Farah, provided further details about the nationwide examination process.
According to the chairman, all 42,519 students across Somaliland’s regions and districts began sitting their examinations simultaneously Saturday morning.
The examinations are divided into two categories: students graduating from secondary schools and intermediate-level students completing lower education and seeking entry into secondary school education.
The nationwide examination process is regarded as one of Somaliland’s most significant annual education programs, reflecting the steady expansion of access to education and growing student enrollment across the country.
As thousands of students begin the highly anticipated tests, Somaliland authorities say strict measures have been put in place to guarantee fairness, security and transparency throughout the examination period.
Pictures:
Horn Post News Desk.
Hargeisa, Somaliland
