Somaliland releases its 2025–26 national exam results for more than 42,000 Grade 8 and Grade 12 students, marking a major education milestone
BURAO, Somaliland — Aug. 25, 2026 — Somaliland on Tuesday released the results of its 2025–26 national certification examinations, marking a major transition point for more than 42,000 students completing primary and secondary education across the country.
The results were announced at the National Examinations Office for the eastern regions in Burao, the administrative capital of Togdheer region, during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, education authorities, school administrators, teachers, academics, community leaders and other guests.
The examinations covered Grade 8 students completing Primary school and Grade 12 students completing secondary education, with the results determining eligibility for progression into higher levels of education and, for some students, vocational and professional training.
Education Minister Prof. Ismail Duale Yusuf led the ceremony and presented the national results, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in education as Somaliland seeks to expand opportunities for its young population.
Grade 12 results show high pass rate
A total of 16,119 students sat for the Grade 12 national examination, according to figures announced by the Ministry of Education.
Of those candidates, 27 failed to achieve the required passing standard, while 41 registered students were absent from the examination. The remaining candidates passed, allowing them to proceed toward higher education, vocational training and other post-secondary opportunities.
The minister congratulated successful candidates and credited their achievement to their commitment to study, as well as the support provided by teachers, parents and school administrators.
He also encouraged students who did not pass to treat the result as an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and prepare for the next examination cycle.
The Grade 12 results carry particular significance because they represent the culmination of secondary education and determine the next academic or professional pathway for thousands of young Somalilanders.
More than 26,000 students take Grade 8 examination
At the middle-school level, 26,116 students sat for the Grade 8 national examination.
The ministry reported that 256 students failed, while the remaining candidates passed.
Girls accounted for approximately 11,000 of the Grade 8 candidates, highlighting the substantial participation of female students in Somaliland’s formal education system.
The figures also offer a snapshot of the expanding scale of the national examination system, which serves students across Somaliland’s regions and provides a standardized mechanism for assessing educational attainment.
Vocational education gains a place in national assessment
The government also reported examination participation by 860 students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The inclusion of TVET students reflects the government’s broader effort to diversify educational pathways beyond conventional academic education.
For young people entering a changing labor market, vocational training can provide an alternative route into technical professions and skills-based employment. Officials have increasingly emphasized the importance of linking education with employable skills and economic opportunities.
Officials praise teachers and parents
The Burao ceremony brought together a broad cross-section of government and education officials, including the ministers responsible for education and transport and road development, the minister of local government, the deputy education minister, the mayor of Burao and senior officials from the education sector.
Regional education coordinators, school principals, academics and community representatives also attended.
In their remarks, officials congratulated students who successfully completed the examinations while recognizing the contribution of parents, teachers and school administrators.
The minister emphasized that examination performance cannot be separated from the wider education system supporting students throughout the academic year.
He called for continued investment by government institutions, schools and communities, arguing that Somaliland’s long-term development depends heavily on the quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of its education system.
President Irro congratulates successful candidates
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro separately congratulated students who passed the Grade 8 and Grade 12 national certification examinations.
In an official message, Irro praised the students for their perseverance and dedication and recognized the role of parents and teachers in helping them reach the milestone.
He also commended the Ministry of Education and the National Examinations Office for their work in preparing, administering, marking and releasing the examinations.
The president urged successful students not to view their results as the conclusion of their educational journey.
Instead, he described the achievement as the beginning of a new stage requiring greater determination, confidence, creativity and ambition.
He encouraged the students to continue developing their knowledge and skills and to use their education to contribute to Somaliland’s development and the wider well-being of the Somali people.
A national education milestone
The release of the 2025–26 results represents one of the most visible annual milestones in Somaliland’s education system. More than 42,000 Grade 8 and Grade 12 students participated in the examinations, demonstrating the scale of the national system and the growing demand for educational opportunities.
The results also come as the government seeks to strengthen examination administration, teacher development and technical and vocational education.
For the successful candidates, the announcement opens the door to a new phase of academic or professional development. For policymakers, the results provide a broader measure of participation and performance across the education system — and a reminder of the challenge of ensuring that rising enrollment translates into meaningful educational and economic opportunities.
