Daud Ahmed Farah, Chairman of Somaliland's National Examination Board, announces the 2024/2025 national exam results in Hargeisa.
SOMALILAND, HARGEISA — The National Examination Office of Somaliland (JSL) has officially released the results of the 2024/2025 academic year, confirming a nationwide pass rate of 98 percent. A total of 39,810 students sat for secondary, high school, and vocational examinations, with results highlighting both academic excellence and regional disparities.
Grade 8 — National Exam
Academic year 2024/2025 summary
Grade 8 Performance Overview
Out of 24,103 registered students (13,550 male, 10,553 female), an overwhelming 98.3% successfully passed the national secondary school examinations. This strong performance reflects a high level of student dedication and educational quality across the nation.
However, officials noted that regional disparities require attention, particularly in areas with higher rates of failure and absenteeism.
| Grade | # Students | % |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2,370 | 10.0% |
| B | 7,110 | 30.0% |
| C | 11,850 | 50.0% |
| D | 2,370 | 10.0% |
| Total Passed | 23,693 |
| Region | Total | Passed | Failed | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroodijeeh | 11,676 | 11,498 | 103 | 75 |
| Togdheer | 5,250 | 5,208 | 21 | 21 |
| Awdal | 4,100 | 4,010 | 55 | 35 |
| Badhan | 1,500 | 1,420 | 19 | 61 |
| Subtotal | 22,526 | 22,136 | 198 | 192 |
Top Performing Regions
Based on pass rates, the leading regions for the Grade 8 exams were:
1. Togdheer: 99.2% Pass Rate
2. Awdal: 97.8% Pass Rate
These regions are recognized for their exceptional student performance and low failure rates, setting a high standard for secondary education in Somaliland.
Grade 4 — High School Exam
Academic year 2024/2025 summary
High School Performance Overview
A total of 15,978 students (8,895 male, 7,083 female) were assessed, achieving a national pass rate of 97.9%. The results show a strong cohort of high-achievers, with 1,575 students earning a grade of 'A'.
The Ministry of Education celebrated these top performers while also highlighting the need to address the gender gap, as male students constituted 56% of the total candidates.
| Grade | # Students | % |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1,575 | 10.00% |
| A- | 2,144 | 13.60% |
| A+ | 478 | 3.00% |
| B | 1,959 | 12.50% |
| B- | 2,515 | 16.00% |
| B+ | 1,708 | 10.90% |
| C | 1,405 | 8.90% |
| C- | 899 | 5.70% |
| C+ | 1,914 | 12.20% |
| D | 317 | 2.00% |
| D+ | 462 | 2.90% |
| E | 269 | 1.70% |
| Total | 15,707 |
| Region | Total | Passed | Failed | Absent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroodijeeh | 7,845 | 7,581 | 230 | 34 |
| Togdheer | 2,592 | 2,584 | 4 | 4 |
| Sahil | 806 | 804 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 15,707 | 15,376 | 269 | 62 |
Top Performing Regions
For the Grade 4 high school exams, several regions achieved near-perfect results, demonstrating exceptional educational standards:
1. Sahil: 99.8% Pass Rate
2. Gabiley: 99.7% Pass Rate
These regions, along with Togdheer, were recognized for having almost zero failures or absenteeism, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence.
The Ministry of Education recognized 1,575 high school students who scored grade A and commended schools with perfect attendance records. However, absenteeism and regional disparities remain concerns, with Badhan and Maroodijeeh accounting for the highest numbers of missing candidates.
Vocational training also played a smaller role in this year’s results, with only 276 students graduating in fields such as ICT, agriculture, and construction. Officials noted that expanding technical education remains a priority for preparing Somaliland’s youth for diverse employment opportunities.
Parents and educators welcomed the results but urged the government to increase scholarships and higher education opportunities, particularly for talented students from rural regions. Analysts argue that strengthening Somaliland’s education system is not only a domestic priority but also a key marker of state capacity as the country seeks international recognition.
For the more than 39,000 students assessed this year, the announcement marks both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, opening doors to higher education, vocational training, and future opportunities.
