More than 30 out of 65 eligible candidates in Nyirol County, Jonglei State, have missed out on the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) exams, which are taking place nationwide from November 18 to 22.
Ter Mun Jok, the county’s education director, told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that the absences were due to security concerns from ongoing local conflicts. The affected pupils, including seven females, were too afraid to attend their exams over fears of being targeted in revenge killings, he added.
“Of the 65 pupils, including ten female candidates, only 30 candidates, with just three females, showed up. The rest, mainly from Riang, did not appear at our only examination centres in Gai Tut and Majok,” Jok explained.
The local official pointed out that the absence of these pupils is linked to escalating violence in the county. “Communities in Riang have ongoing issues with those in Thol Payam, and recent revenge killings between Cie-Puol and Cie-Dumin have left many students fearful for their safety,” Jok added.
Meanwhile, Nyirol County Commissioner James Bol Makuey lamented the missed opportunities for the candidates despite efforts to encourage them to write their exams.
“Attempts to bring back those displaced by violence were unsuccessful. Many pupils have fled to areas like Ethiopia, Juba, or other remote parts of the county,” Makuey said.
As the exams continue, the situation highlights the severe impact of insecurity on education in the area.