By Asha Elmi

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia has issued a stern warning to schools across the country against charging students any fees related to national examinations or education identification cards.

On May 28, 2025, the Director General of Education and Training, Abdullahi Abdi Omar, emphasized that such fees are illegal and will not be tolerated.

The warning comes as the ministry prepares to commence the Grade 12 national examinations, scheduled to start on June 14, 2025.

Abdullahi reiterated the ministry’s firm stance, first announced two years ago, prohibiting any collection of fees from students for exams or educational identification cards.

“I would like to remind school administrators that it is not permitted to collect any money under the name of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education, whether as alleged fees or for identification of students, or to cover educational costs,” said Abdullahi.

He also called on parents, students, and all stakeholders to regularly follow official information and updates from the ministry regarding examinations, which will be disseminated through the ministry’s official website and social media channels.