Surge in Primary Leaving Examination Candidates Marks a Milestone in South Sudan’s Education System

In a significant development for education in South Sudan, a record-breaking 70,000 pupils are set to undertake their Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) beginning today and continuing until November 24, 2023. This marks a notable increase of 16,573 candidates compared to the previous academic year of 2022-2023.

The National Examinations Council, in a statement last month, revealed that the current cohort comprises 28,575 males and 30,908 females. Surprisingly, the number of female candidates has surpassed their male counterparts by over 2,000, highlighting a positive trend towards gender inclusivity in education.

Deputy Minister Martin Tako emphasized the need for a vigilant examination process, urging invigilators and security personnel to be proactive in preventing irregularities during the Primary and Secondary school national examinations. Tako also stressed the importance of creating a secure and conducive environment for the candidates to undertake their exams without any hindrance.

The surge in PLE candidates reflects a growing interest in education across South Sudan, indicating a potential shift towards prioritizing academic pursuits. This increase may be attributed to various factors, such as improved access to education, awareness campaigns, and a collective effort to promote learning opportunities for the nation’s youth.

The Ministry of Education is closely monitoring the examination process, with officials expressing optimism about the positive impact this surge in candidates could have on the country’s education system. As South Sudan strives for progress, the successful conduct of the Primary Leaving Examination stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing its young talents and providing them with a solid educational foundation.