12th Grade Exam Failures Threaten Ethiopia’s Future

In recent years, 12th-grade exam results for higher education institutions have declined in Ethiopia. This trend has led to fewer students enrolling in these institutions. Alarmingly, over a thousand schools reported that no students passed this year in 2024. This situation raises concerns about the psychological impact on other students.

Mr. Samuel Tolosa, head of the Outpatient Department at Emmanuel Hospital, highlights that failing a 12th-grade exam can severely affect a student’s mental health. This negative impact affects those who fail and their peers who look up to them.

Many people nurture dreams from a young age. They believe education is the key to achieving those dreams. Talented students often follow the examples set by high achievers. However, the recent drop in 12th-grade results creates significant stress among students.

Last month, the Ethiopian Ministry of Education announced the result of the 12th-grade exam. Only 5.4% of students obtained the required passing score of 50%. Before this year, nearly 3% of students obtained pass marks. Out of 684,405 students who took the examination this year, only 36,409 got the required pass marks.

Among the cities, Addis Ababa achieved the highest pass rate, with 10,690 students passing the exam, representing 21.4% of all candidates who sat for the exam. In the Somali region of Ethiopia, 21225 students appeared, and only 261 managed to pass.

Parents also feel the strain. They worry more about their children’s futures than their own. When they see their children struggle.

Social activists and influencers in Ethiopia should promote constructive alternatives instead of mocking educational failures. They can highlight successful entrepreneurs and emerging job sectors as positive pathways.

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