A Decade of Challenges and Progress: An Analysis of the Secondary School Leaving Examination in Somalia (2015–2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70806/nmjtm718Keywords:
National Examination, Secondary Education, Student Participation, Pass Rates, Challenges in Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, SomaliaAbstract
After the civil war in 1991, Somalia went 24 years without a unified national secondary school leaving examination due to the absence of a centralized government. The exams were reinstated in 2015, marking a significant step toward rebuilding the education system. During the absence of a government-administered certification exam, various educational associations provided recognized secondary education certificates. Notable among them were FPENS and SAFE which played a crucial role in maintaining educational standards and certification during this period.
Objective: This study aims to analyze student participation trends and success rates over the years, while also evaluating the progress and challenges faced by the National Examination between 2015 and 2024.
Methodology: In this study, utilized secondary data obtained from the Ministry of Education, and interviews were conducted with staff from the Ministry of Education, formal education networks, Director of Union of Banadir Region Schools, and the director of Somali Teachers Syndicate.
Findings: study findings show significant growth in student participation, indicating a positive shift in access to secondary education in Somalia. Student enrollment in the exam has grown from 3,522 in 2014 to 36,034 in 2024. The number of female students participating in the exams has also increased in recent years.
From 2021 to 2024, the average pass rates of students have improved across all states. In this regard, students from Jubbaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest have achieved pass rates reaching or exceeding 99%. Notably, the Banaadir region has the highest number of students passing the exam, with 89%.
