Warning to Schools Overcharging Exam Fees

The National Examination Council has issued a stern warning to schools that are imposing heavy examination charges on candidates preparing to sit for the 2022-2023 exams. The council has threatened to take severe punitive measures against these schools.

Background of the Issue

According to the Secretary General for the National Examination Council, Simon Nyok, the council has received reports of schools overcharging candidates in various states, including Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria. Nyok stated that this malpractice is not only happening in public schools but also in private schools, which are notorious for charging exorbitant fees.

Consequences of Overcharging

Nyok warned that schools found guilty of overcharging will face severe consequences. "We have to be law-abiding citizens, we have to follow what the law says, and the consequences can be severe," he cautioned. The council has the power to revoke licenses and withdraw examination center status from offending schools.

Fees Structure

The National Examination Council had earlier announced the registration of candidates for the National Exams, including the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) and the South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (SSCSE). The council specified the fees to be collected from candidates, which are as follows:

• Primary 8 candidates in public schools: 5,000 SSP
• Primary 8 candidates in private schools: 7,000 SSP
• Secondary school candidates in public schools: 7,000 SSP
• Secondary school candidates in private schools: 10,000 SSP

Refund of Excess Fees

Nyok directed that schools that have collected more than the stipulated fees must refund the excess amount to the candidates. He revealed that some schools are charging as much as 30,000 to 40,000 SSP, which is against the law.

Government’s Role in Exam Financing

The national government is responsible for financing all examination processes, including the payment of invigilators, police, and other personnel involved in the exams. Therefore, there is no justification for schools to levy high examination charges on candidates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Examination Council is taking a strong stance against schools that are overcharging candidates. The council is committed to ensuring that all candidates have access to fair and affordable education. Schools that fail to comply with the specified fees structure will face severe consequences. The council’s efforts aim to promote transparency and accountability in the education sector, and to protect the rights of students and their families.

Graduation Ceremony of Nurses and Midwives in South Sudan

The Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery (JCONAM) in South Sudan recently held a graduation ceremony for 44 nurses and 38 midwives. This event marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve its healthcare system.

The Importance of Healthcare Professionals

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Harriet Akello Pasquale, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the crucial role that nurses and midwives play in improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in South Sudan. She urged the graduates to follow work etiquette and be prepared to serve wherever they are needed in the country.

Call to Action for the Government

The officer in charge at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Suzanne Mandong, called on the transitional government of national unity to allocate local funds for mid-level healthcare professional training. She stressed that sustainability can only be achieved when national investment in health is prioritized.

International Support and Partnership

Mandong praised the Government of Canada’s efforts in establishing a strong nursing and midwifery profession in South Sudan. The Canadian Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Joanne Minns, reiterated Canada’s commitment to empowering women and girls through strengthened health systems. The UNFPA, with support from Global Affairs Canada, Sweden, and other partners, has trained over 3,000 frontline health cadres across South Sudan since independence.

Building a Resilient Healthcare System

Repent Khamis George, the principal of Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery, highlighted the need to update facilities, laboratories, infrastructure, and curricula to meet international standards. He emphasized that building a robust and sustainable healthcare system in South Sudan is an ongoing process that requires continuous growth and prioritization of health education.

Conclusion

The graduation of 44 nurses and 38 midwives from Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery is a significant step towards improving the healthcare system in South Sudan. With the support of international partners and the commitment of the government, the country can work towards building a resilient healthcare system that ensures quality health services for all. The dedication and hard work of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and midwives, are crucial in saving lives and improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in South Sudan.

Historic Success in South Sudan’s Primary Certificate Examinations

Central Equatoria State’s Ministry of Education has reported a historic 94.5% pass rate for the 2024/2025 South Sudan Primary Certificate Examinations, marking the highest success rate in four years. A total of 19,942 students out of 21,092 candidates passed, showcasing significant academic progress in the state.

Academic Performance by Institution Type

Private schools dominated, with 96.6% of their 16,305 candidates passing—far exceeding government schools (88%) and alternative education programs (84.1%). The State’s Minister of General Education, Cirisio Zakaria Lado, hailed the achievement as a testament to the dedication of students, teachers, and stakeholders. He commended the private institutions, which accounted for all the top-performing schools and students.

Top-Performing Students and Schools

Felix Luwala Wani of JCC Hai Negil was the best male student, with 94.7%, while the best female student, Gifty Chandia Remis of JCC model, scored 94.5%. JCC Model Primary School emerged as the leading school in Central Equatoria at 89.8, followed by Venus Star Academic Primary School, which had 89.1%. JCC Hai Negil came third, with 87.6%.

Regional Performance

Juba County led regionally, achieving a 95.5% pass rate, while Lainya County followed closely at 91.3%. Students excelled in core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Sciences, all scoring above 94%. However, Islamic Religion recorded the lowest pass rate (82.4%), signaling a potential area for improvement.

Gender Equity in Education

Male candidates slightly edged out females (94.7% to 94.4%), a marginal 0.3% gap—a notable shift toward gender equity in education outcomes. This year’s results reflect a consistent upward trend, with pass rates climbing from 90.8% in 2021 to 94.5% in 2024.

School Bounces Back in Western Equatoria

Meanwhile, in Western Equatoria State, Tombura County had a remarkable performance in the Primary 8 examination results, with every registered pupil passing despite the ongoing insecurity in the area. The state minister for General Education and Instructions, Grace Apollo Musa, attributed the improvement to increased commitment from teachers, students, and parents.

Notable Improvements

Out of 4,435 pupils who sat for the exams across the state, 3,997 passed (1,793 girls and 2,204 boys) while only 368 failed. 77 failed to turn up for the exams. Another striking highlight came from Nzara County, where schools such as ECSS Nzara, St. Timothy’s, and St. Daniel Comboni all recorded 100% pass rates after no candidate passed the Primary 8 examination last year.

Top-Performing Schools in Western Equatoria

Top-performing schools in the state included Ezra Baya in Mundri West County with 118 pupils all passing, St. Mary’s in Yambio (105), and Mundri Adventist (85). Other strong performers from Yambio include Gracia Nursery and Primary (84), Alpha and Omega (51), and Bright Star (61), each recording a 100% pass rate.

Conclusion

The significant improvement in the pass rates of the South Sudan Primary Certificate Examinations in both Central Equatoria and Western Equatoria states is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and stakeholders. As the education sector continues to evolve, it is essential to address areas of improvement, such as the performance in Islamic Religion and the need to bolster performance in rural counties and government schools. With continued support and commitment, the future of education in South Sudan looks promising.