41,000 students sit for National Intermediate Exams in Mogadishu

Students in Mogadishu began their National Examination for Intermediate Schools on Monday.

Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, officially inaugurated the kickoff of the exams, which saw a total of 41,639 students across the Banadir region participate.

Mayor Muungaab, who assumed office on June 4, 2025, following his appointment by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, addressed students, educators, and officials, expressing optimism about the future of Somalia’s youth.

“I am delighted to see over 40,000 students sitting for these exams today,” Muungaab stated.

“Their success is the foundation of a brighter Somalia, and we wish them strength and focus as they take this important step.”

The National Examination for Intermediate Schools is a cornerstone of Somalia’s education system, assessing students’ readiness to progress to secondary education.

The exams were in held in the capital city, Mogadishu, which is home to an estimated 1.65 million people, including a significant number of internally displaced persons.

Muungaab said his administration has prioritized education as part of a broader nine-point agenda focusing on security, electoral preparations, and public service delivery.

The mayor's office is tasked with ensuring that examination centers across the region are equipped to accommodate the large number of candidates.

Other measures have been put in place to ensure security and maintain the integrity of the testing process throughout the examination period.

Somalia’s education sector has faced numerous challenges due to decades of conflict.

The Banadir region, as the country’s political and economic hub, plays a pivotal role in these advancements.

Dr. Hussein stated that socio-economic growth and development are clearly gaining momentum nationwide, with steady and commendable progress being made.