Somalia: Puntland, Federal Govt in deadlock over unified Exams

GAROWE, Puntland - The Federal Member State of Puntland has fired back at Somalia's Minister of Education Abdullahi Godah Barre following his recent remarks on the unified National Exams, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement released on 18th April, the ministry of education of Puntland said the state has its own education system that it has been practicing since 2003 which is based on policy and unique curriculum.

This came after the country's Education Minister, Abdullahi Godah Barre, told the state broadcaster that Puntland in a defiant for the 5th year to join the Unified National Secondary School Exams in Somalia.

Barre added that attempts by his ministry to engage in talks with Puntland to resolve the standoff failed and warned that the northeastern state will ‘be held responsible’ for not giving the students green light to sit for the exams.

The examinations, held for the fourth consecutive year, in Banadir, Jubaland, Southwest, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle, except Puntland, are presided over by the Somali Federal ministry of education.

- Why Puntland boycotted national exams..?

1- Lack of unified education policy and regulations

2- The diversity of the curriculum

3- The government administered exam "unreliable"

4- Low in expertise and skills needed for setting, managing and correcting the examinations

5 -The quality of the government-controlled exams is below the standard

The unified national examinations for secondary schools come to a close in Somalia are expected to kick off next month with a possibly higher number of students taking part compared to the previous years.

According to the statement, both sides had previously signed a deal that gives Puntland Independent in issues related to curriculum, examinations, certificate issuance and the scholarships from abroad.

GAROWE ONLINE