Monday, June 15, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Thousands of students across Mogadishu today began sitting for the Grade 8 Certificate Examinations administered annually by the Banadir Regional Administration, marking a crucial milestone in their academic journey toward secondary education. According to education authorities, the examinations will run from June 15 to June 18 across multiple examination centers in the Banadir region.
The Banadir Regional Directorate of Education confirmed that all technical and logistical preparations were completed ahead of the exams, with strict measures put in place to ensure transparency, fairness, and the integrity of the examination process. Authorities have also deployed security personnel around examination centers to maintain order and guarantee a safe environment for students.
Education officials called on students to remain focused and confident during the examination period, while urging parents, teachers, and school administrators to provide both academic and emotional support. The Grade 8 examination is regarded as one of the most important educational assessments in Somalia, serving as the gateway to secondary education.
The number of candidates taking the examination has steadily increased in recent years, reflecting growing enrollment rates and improving access to education in the capital. Last year, more than 41,000 students participated in the Grade 8 examinations across Banadir, setting a record for student participation.
The examinations come as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its education system through curriculum reforms, teacher training programs, and standardized national assessments. Officials say improving the quality of education remains a key priority for building the country’s future workforce and human capital.
Students who successfully complete the examinations will be eligible to advance to secondary school, while national secondary school examinations are scheduled to begin later this month across Somalia.