Asmara — The number of participants in this year's national high school leaving certificate exams has increased by 17% compared to the previous years as a result of the opportunity given to those who wish to take the exams for the second time, Dr. Bissrat Gebru, Director of the Bureau of Standards and Evaluation of the National Board for Higher Education, disclosed.

She further stated that the number of female participants has shown an increase of 6%. Dr. Bissrat explained that over 13,000 students of the Warsay-Yikaalo School in Sawa, out of whom 5, 000 are females, and a total of 151 individuals who are taking the exams for the second time are participating in the present exams in 47 testing centers.

The Commander of the National Service Training Center, Lt. Colonel Temesgen Samuel, indicated on his part that the necessary preparations have been made in collaboration with the Warsay-Yikaalo School so as to successfully conduct the matriculation exams.

The national high school leaving certificate examination is taking place from March 16 to 21.