Record Number of Students Sit for Grade 8 Certificate Examinations in Somalia’s Banadir Region

By A Yusuf

Mogadishu, Monday, June 9, 2025 – The education leadership of Banadir region has announced that more than 41,000 students officially sat for the Grade 8 certificate examinations this morning across all districts of the Banadir region.

This marks the highest number ever recorded for this regional-level exam, reflecting significant growth and tangible progress in the education sector within Banadir region.

The Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab), officially launched the Grade 8 Certificate Examinations today. This marks the sixth year that the Banadir Regional Administration has independently administered the exams.

The Mayor of Mogadishu stated that he will work to increase both the number and quality of educational opportunities in Banadir, ensuring that students receive high-quality education. He also emphasized his commitment to expanding access to free education and wished success to the students sitting for the certificate exams today.

The total number of students taking the exam is 41,670, which includes 22,778 boys, 18,860 girls, and 32 students with special needs, ensuring equal participation for all.

The examination commenced simultaneously across all districts in Banadir region, with tight security measures in place. Police forces were deployed to safeguard the security and maintain order throughout the examination process.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor for Security and Politics of Banadir Region, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye (Yabooh), the Commander of Banadir Police, examination officials, and other senior officials from the Banadir Regional Administration.

As is well known, significant and tangible progress in the education system was achieved under the leadership of Abdullahi Godah Barre, who was the Minister of Education and Higher Learning in the previous government led by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.