The much-anticipated Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) exams commenced on Monday morning across South Sudan.
At the inauguration ceremony held at Juba Commercial Secondary School in Juba, Hussein Abdel Bagi Akol, Vice President for the Service Cluster, announced that 48,484 candidates are sitting for the exams this year. Of these, 19,933 are female, and 28,551 are male, with students taking the exams at 319 centres across 526 secondary schools nationwide.
In his address, Akol emphasized the importance of integrity during the examination process and issued a stern warning against any form of malpractice. He reminded candidates of the severe consequences of cheating, including disqualification and having to retake the exams in subsequent years.
“As you sit for your exams, focus on demonstrating your knowledge and skills,” Akol said. “Do not be tempted to engage in malpractice. If you are caught, your results will be cancelled, and you will be forced to retake the exams.”
The Vice President also called on teachers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, urging them to act as role models by ensuring fair and honest invigilation. “Any teacher involved in exam malpractice will face legal action,” Akol stressed. “Such behaviour undermines the credibility of the educational system.”
Martin Tako Moyi, Deputy Minister of General Education and Instruction, echoed Akol’s message, warning candidates that the exams have been rigorously secured to prevent cheating. He reassured students that any attempts to access false examination materials would be futile, as tighter measures have been implemented this year compared to previous years.
“Some of you may have been misled into believing there are ways to cheat, but let me assure you, that spirit has been crushed,” Moyi said. “This year, we are even more vigilant. If you try to deceive yourselves, you will regret it.”
Moyi encouraged candidates to do their best, regardless of the outcome, and to appreciate the efforts of their teachers and parents. “Do not disappoint your teachers, parents, or the Ministry of Education,” he urged. “Give your best effort, and leave the rest to God.”
Simon Nyok, Secretary General of the Examination Council, provided an update on the exam paper distribution, highlighting the logistical challenges faced in getting the materials to exam centres.
Despite difficulties such as floods and inaccessible airfields, Nyok confirmed that the exam papers were delivered and distributed on time, with minimal weather disruption.
“The distribution process, which started on November 26 and concluded on November 29, faced some logistical hurdles,” Nyok said. “However, thanks to improved weather conditions in many parts of the country, we ensured the exams reached all centres on schedule.”
The exams began with Christian Religious Education (CRE) and Islamic Religious Education (IRE), marking the official start of this year’s CSE examinations.