Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somali police forces have arrested 17 supervisors and staff members involved in the ongoing National Examination for alleged malpractice and secretly providing answers to students, according to the Ministry of Education authorities Thursday.

The Secondary School exam is being conducted across various regions, including Benadir, Jubaland, Southwest, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug in south-central Somalia. The exams, which were paused on Wednesday in observance of Independence Day, June 26, resumed today and are set to conclude tomorrow, Friday.

The authorities did not provide details about when and where those individuals are arrested so far.

Education Minister Farah Abdukadir had previously warned that any individuals found guilty of exam-related misconduct would face trial.

“We are working with National Communication Authorities to address issues on social media platforms. We are tracking down internet groups engaged in irregularities related to exams,” said Minister Abdukadir.

The Ministry of Education cancelled examinations in 2019 due to similar malpractice, despite protests from students at the time.”

This crackdown on exam malpractice underscores the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the national examination process and ensuring fair assessment for all students.