In a significant move, Sudan’s Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday the cancellation of final examinations for schools across states grappling with the prevailing conflict in the nation. The decision encompasses primary, intermediate, and secondary education levels.
In an official statement obtained by Radio Tamazuj, the Ministry of Education underscored that the verdict was reached after comprehensive consultations with the Federal Government’s Minister.
According to the released statement, pupils in the sixth grade of primary schools located in conflict-affected regions will be seamlessly promoted to intermediate schools, with their exams being formally waived.
The commencement of final exams for learners in Khartoum State, along with some states deeply affected by the ongoing conflict, was abruptly halted following the eruption of war on April 15.
Conversely, final assessments for primary school students proceeded as planned in states such as Gezira, Sennar, Blue Nile, and the northeastern part of Sudan.
Reacting to this watershed decision, Sami El Bagir, the official spokesperson for the Sudan Teachers Committee, expressed his viewpoint. He stated, “The decision is long overdue. Some states went ahead and conducted their exams without proper preparation. These decisions by the states were politically motivated to show that everything is normal and that they are not affected by the war.”
El Bagir’s perspective delved deeper as he critiqued the decision’s implementation mechanism regarding the progression of students to the subsequent grades. He articulated, “The decision did not specify how the students will be transferred to the next grades, especially now that the exams are cancelled. There is a need for the ministry to issue an explanation in this regard.”
The Ministry’s bold move to cancel exams and propel students forward is not devoid of concerns, as stakeholders emphasize the necessity for a clear strategy to guide the seamless transition of learners amidst these challenging circumstances.