MOGADISHU– The Mayor of Mogadishu and Governor of Banaadir Region, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab), officially opened the Grade 8 national exams today in Mogadishu.

A total of 41,639 students are sitting for the exams across the Banaadir region.

This marks the sixth year that the Banaadir Regional Administration has been independently organizing and administering the Grade 8 exams without outside assistance.

During the opening ceremony, Mayor Muungaab expressed his strong commitment to improving the education sector in the region.

He stated that the administration will work to raise both the quality and the number of educational opportunities available to children in Banaadir.

IN PICTURES: The Mayor of #Mogadishu and Governor of Banaadir region, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab), has on Monday officially opened the Grade 8 national exams.

A total of 41,639 students are sitting for the test.

This marks the sixth year that the Banaadir Regional… pic.twitter.com/YE7ZuNgOKi

— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) June 9, 2025

He also said more efforts will be made to increase free education so that all students, regardless of their background, can access quality learning.

The Mayor wished success to all students taking part in the exams and encouraged them to work hard for a better future.

He also praised teachers, parents, and education officials for their role in preparing the students.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor for Security and Politics of Banaadir Region, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye (Yabooh), the Commander of Banaadir Regional Police, senior exam officials, and other leaders from the regional administration.

They all showed their support for the education sector and the students sitting for the important national exams.