The Federal Government of Somalia has concluded its nationwide centralized school examinations. Through EU financial support, 36,000 Somali students this year sat for their primary and secondary school examinations in an unprecedented move to standardize and centralize examinations countrywide, signaling a positive step towards restoration of government-controlled and regulated education service. The process was made possible through the support from various stakeholders including regional education authorities, education umbrellas, local communities and parents.

Compared to last year, where only 15,000 Somali students sat for secondary examinations, this year a record 27,000students took secondary school-leaving exams in Somalia. Puntland also saw 9000 primary students sit for their end-of-year primary examinations, bringing the total number to 36,000 learners in Somalia who sat for exams in 2017. This is the third year running in which the Federal Government of Somalia has organized examinations countrywide in Banadir, Galmudug, Jubaland, HirShabelle and the South-West Administration.

The European Union has been funding examinations and curriculum development in Somalia since 2011 to the tune of 7 million Euro. This support, implemented through Africa Educational Trust, has focused on strengthening the capacity of the education authorities to implement the new curriculum framework and hold examinations of international standards across the country. The European Union is the main donor to education in Somalia with an investment of 93 million Euro committed for the period 2014-2020.

"The successful preparation and administration of exams for the third year in a row proves that Somali Federal Authorities are moving in the right direction to provide basic services to the people of Somalia. I congratulate the government, parents, students and members of the community on this success, which is yet another step towards building a credible education system that contributes to peace and prosperity. We are glad to be associated with it and we will continue supporting the noble initiative of educating Somalia’s future leaders," said the EU Ambassador to Somalia Veronique Lorenzo.

Over the years, tangible achievements have been registered in the areas of expanding education and vocational training opportunities for Somali children and youth, enhancing the capacity of education administrations, developing a curriculum framework and implementing centralized examinations.

"The increase in enrolment from 12,000 in 2016 to 23,000  in 2017 in Banadir, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland and South West regions is a demonstration of the progress made towards increasing access and retention of the Somali youth in schools, thanks to the continued support from development partners, in particular the European Union, and the regional states which have continued to support education and examinations," said the Director General in the Federal Ministry of Education Mohamed Abdikadir Nur.