By Bosco Bush, James Innocent & Yang Ater
As the Certificate of Primary Education [CPE] examinations 2024, kicked off, authorities issued a stern warning against any form of malpractice.
On Monday, November 18, at least Seventy-Nine Thousand and Ten [79,010] candidates across the country started answering exam sheets for five subjects slated to run for five days from Monday to Friday, November 22.
Out of the Seventy-Nine Thousand and Ten total number, Forty-Three Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-Five [43,235] are male.
While, Thirty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty-Five [35,735] are female, sitting in Five Hundred and Fifty-One [551] centers across the country.
During the launch and ringing of the bell at Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Juba, Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussien Abdel Bagi Akol encourages the learners to demonstrate skills in an honest manner, warning that any malpractices or cheating of exams will attract severe consequences that may affect the future and dream of a learner.
“As you sit for your exams, I want you to concentrate and demonstrate your skills and ability in an honest and transparent manner. I want to discourage you all from any form of exam malpractice and cheating. Such malpractices will attract severe consequences that may undermine your future and dreams,” said Akol.
The Vice President also warned that teachers involved in leaking exams shall be prosecuted by the law.
“As much as I warn the pupil, I also warn teachers from any examination malpractice. Any teacher who shall be found aiding examination malpractice should be dealt with through criminal prosecution,” he said.
In her briefing, Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction appealed to teachers to refrain from exams leaking.
“I want to appeal to all our teachers across the country that, please refrain from any leak or cheating. Don’t help these children, you’ve prepared them already,” she appealed.
She discouraged learners from “machot” a common phrase that referred to examinations cheating.
“To my children, please, you’ve already been prepared, so don’t look back for someone to help you. You have the brain which is smart, and you can do it on your own. You’re the leaders of tomorrow, and I don’t want to hear anything called machot,” she added.
There have been reports of rampant examination fraud and malpractices in the education system. The examination malpractices shot up to an unprecedented scale since the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
In 2023, the Ministry of General Education established drastic measures that tightened exam malpractices and security.
In Yei River County
Over 1,560 pupils from 10 schools in Yei River County are sitting for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
Juan Margret, the County Education Director, confirmed the figure, specifying that 714 boys and 852 girls are partaking.
Unfortunately, one pupil from Lasu Payam passed away before the exams began.
Margret urged the candidates to remain focused and avoid involvement in criminal activities.
“You have studied hard, now it’s time to demonstrate your knowledge. Stay away from gangs and other negative influences,” she advised.
Gabriel, a field monitor for the PLE exams, highlighted the favorable weather conditions in Yei, which could positively impact the pupils’ performance.
He expressed optimism about the future leadership potential of these young learners.
Yeka Joel, a civil society human rights defender, called on the national ministry to expedite the release of PLE results, reducing the waiting period for the students.
He also urged media outlets to ensure accurate reporting on examinations nationwide.
In Lakes State
Over 5,000 students are taking part in this year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
Lakes State’s Minister of General Education and Instruction, Nelson Makoi Makur, expressed gratitude to Governor Rin Tueny Mabor for his unwavering support of quality education.
He also commended the students for their dedication and hard work.
“I want to remind you of two key points: believe in yourselves and use your acquired knowledge to overcome challenges,” Makur advised the students.
Presicila Angeth Mathen, a student from Deng Nhial Primary School in Rumbek, shared her determination to succeed despite recent challenges.
Despite giving birth just a few days ago, she is committed to her studies.
Peter Ater Makur, a student from Agergum Primary School, expressed confidence in his and his classmates’ ability to excel in the exams.
Emmanuel Bol Madut, a member of the National Examination Council, assured that measures have been taken to prevent cheating and ensure a fair examination process.
He praised the cooperation of the Lakes State Ministry of Education in maintaining exam integrity.
Abuod Athian, the State Secretary for Examinations, confirmed the participation of 5,007 students from 143 schools across the state.
Athian urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to focus on their studies and avoid any form of cheating. He emphasized the importance of academic integrity and the potential of these students to contribute to South Sudan’s future.