Mogadishu, Somalia – A new chapter in Somalia’s education sector unfolded on Tuesday as several Somali ministers joined Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktaş at the Turkish Maarif Foundation School in Mogadishu to inaugurate the Oxford International examinations. The milestone marks the school’s accreditation to officially administer the globally recognized exams — a development that opens international academic pathways for Somali students.
The launch ceremony brought together government officials, educators, and community leaders, all celebrating what they described as a moment of pride and progress for Somalia’s youth. For many families, this accreditation represents more than just access to international exams; it symbolizes a gateway to universities and opportunities that were previously out of reach for students educated entirely within Somalia’s borders.
The Turkish Maarif Foundation School, established to strengthen educational cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia, has grown into one of the country’s most respected learning institutions. The school’s new status as an accredited Oxford examination center will now allow students to sit for standardized international tests locally, reducing the cost and difficulty of seeking such certification abroad.
Officials attending the event noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment between Somalia and Türkiye to invest in education as a pillar of national reconstruction. It also underscores the broader vision of equipping young Somalis with globally competitive skills at a time when the country is working to rebuild its human capital and institutions.
Students at the school expressed optimism that this opportunity could help them compete internationally while staying rooted in their own communities. Teachers, too, welcomed the move, viewing it as an incentive for higher academic standards and a bridge linking Somali education with the wider world.
With the introduction of the Oxford International exams, Somalia joins a growing list of nations offering globally benchmarked assessments — a step that not only boosts academic credibility but also reaffirms the country’s determination to nurture a new generation ready to contribute on the global stage.