A New Era in International Education in Somalia: The First Official Oxford International Curriculum & IGCSE/A-Level Examination Center Has Been Opened

November 11, 2025

Türkiye Maarif Foundation Somali Schools hosted an important ceremony today, marking a significant step in strengthening quality and internationally standardized education in Somalia. During the event, the first official “Oxford International Curriculum & IGCSE/A-Level International Examination Center” in Somalia was inaugurated. At the same time, a certificate award ceremony was held for students who successfully completed the Oxford International Curriculum program.

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Nura Mustaf, Minister of State for Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Federal Republic of Somalia; H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali, Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation; H.E. Ali Omar Balcad, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; H.E. Mohamed Osman Nastaro, Minister of State for Women and Human Rights Development; Hon. Mohamed Ahmed Beerey, Member of the Somali Federal Parliament; Prof. Osman Mohamud Dufle, academic and Member of Parliament; Mr. İdle İbrahim Süleyman, Advisor to the President of Somalia; H.E. Alper Aktaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Mogadishu; Brigadier General Sebahattin Kalkan, Commander of the Somali-Turkish Task Force (TÜRKSOM); Mr. Selçuk Baş, TMF Country Director in Somalia; and distinguished university rectors including Dr. Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed (Somali National University), Dr. Ibrahim Mursal (Mogadishu University), Dr. Abdikarim Muhidin Ahmed (SIMAD University), and Mr. Ahmed Gedi (Vice-Rector, Zamzam University).

The event began with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the establishment of the international examination infrastructure at the TMF Somali Schools KM4 Campus. 

Following the ceremony, guests toured the school’s classrooms, physics and chemistry laboratories, computer lab, library, and exam halls where the Oxford examinations are conducted, receiving detailed information about the ongoing educational activities. The visit showcased both the comprehensive educational ecosystem that TMF has built in Somalia and the facilities designed to prepare students for international examinations.

After the host’s welcoming remarks, the program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Turkish National Anthem, observed in respect and unity.

Before the formal speeches, guests watched a short documentary introducing the Türkiye Maarif Foundation’s educational activities in Somalia, highlighting its work from preschool to high school, international programs, and opportunities provided to Somali youth.

The opening address was delivered by Mr. Selçuk Baş, TMF Country Director in Somalia, who emphasized that the Türkiye Maarif Foundation serves as the educational representative of the friendship between Türkiye and Somalia. He underlined that the newly inaugurated IGCSE & A-Level Examination Center will allow Somali students to take internationally recognized exams without having to leave their country.

Following him, H.E. Alper Aktaş, Ambassador of Türkiye to Mogadishu, took the stage and noted that Türkiye’s support for education in Somalia continues in an institutional and sustainable manner, with the Türkiye Maarif Foundation standing as one of the most visible symbols of this partnership.

H.E. Nura Mustaf , Minister of State for Education, Culture and Higher Education, highlighted that the Maarif Schools offer a model of education that combines academic excellence with strong moral values and a global perspective. She stated that the collaboration between the Somali government and the Türkiye Maarif Foundation holds strategic importance for nurturing the country’s well-equipped and forward-looking youth.

H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali , Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, also addressed the audience, emphasizing that the educational work carried out by TMF in Somalia is not merely a service, but a tangible expression of the brotherhood between the two nations. He noted that education institutions such as Maarif play a vital role in building trust, stability, and the future of Somali society.

After the speeches, the program moved to its most anticipated part — the certificate presentation for students who successfully completed the Oxford International Curriculum. The ceremony was held in an atmosphere of pride and joy, as students received their certificates from Somali ministers, the Turkish ambassador, TMF representatives, university rectors, and other distinguished guests.

Through this event, the KM4 Campus once again demonstrated its unique educational model that harmonizes Somalia’s national curriculum with international academic programs.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized that the Türkiye Maarif Foundation’s efforts in Somalia enable students to grow not only academically, but also as bilingual, value-oriented, and globally competent individuals. The newly inaugurated IGCSE & A-Level Examination Center was noted as a significant step that will allow Somali students to access internationally recognized exams without leaving their home country, meeting a long-standing educational need.