The event at Malakia Boys Primary School in Malakal was vibrant as prominent state government officials launched the commencement of the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
With a spirited rendition of the national anthem and the sound of a bell, pupils in South Sudan's Upper Nile State began their primary leaving exams in an atmosphere that felt safer, allowing them to pursue their aspirations.
According to Peter Alberto, the Minister for Education in Upper Nile State, there are 6,070 students taking exams this year. He encourages them to seek prayer to ensure success.
“Honourable Deputy Governor, this year we have 6,070 candidates sitting for exams, 2025. The very first thing is to pray in your (pupils) own way, which is very important. For someone to be successful, their faith and confidence are crucial. We want each of you to succeed in your examinations this year,” Alberto stated.
Since 2013, Upper Nile State has faced conflicts, including the recent Nasir incident, which has instilled fear of a return to war throughout the state, including its capital, Malakal.
In 2013, 1,188 educational institutions were closed in Greater Upper Nile, and an estimated 10,000 children were recruited into the armed forces starting in January 2014, with around 90 schools occupied by military factions and 800,000 children displaced, as reported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The UN Education agency also noted that 9.4 million school textbooks printed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with the assistance of the Department for International Development (DFID) were destroyed in Malakal town in November 2014, while some materials were misused by warring parties.
"Conflict severely affects education, harming not only the well-being and mental health of students, teachers, and communities but also leading to the deterioration of the education system and its infrastructure," stated UNESCO.
The Deputy Governor of Upper Nile State, Deng Joh Angok, hailed the stabilisation of peace and security throughout the state, which has created a favourable environment for the candidates to take their exams.
“I thank God for being with you this morning as we inaugurate the examinations in the state. We are delighted that exams are taking place in a conducive environment with a secure and peaceful state," Deng stated.
In 2024, none of the pupils in Upper Nile State made it onto the list of the top 10 performing pupils nationwide.
Deng encourages primary school candidates to strive for excellence and aim to be among the top 10 performers when the exam results are announced.
“We, as the state government, will support you throughout your exams. Our state has faced conflict, but this year we want to hear that our students have reached the top ten best performing students in South Sudan," added the Deputy Governor.
Tour Ream, the Mayor of Malakal City Council, reassured the candidates of their success, stating that the exams would not pose any difficulties but would be comparable to the usual tests they have experienced in class.
“This is a wonderful day to begin examinations. Stay focused because this exam is not challenging; it is similar to the assessments your teachers have administered in your classes,” Puot motivated the pupils.
In 2024, Juba Christian Centre (JCC) Primary School in Central Equatoria State was recognised as the top-performing school, having ranked among the top 13 best schools historically.
Of the 77,264 candidates who sat for the exams, 42,257 were male and 35,007 were female; 73,326 candidates successfully passed, including 40,427 males and 32,899 females, resulting in a passing rate of 94.9%.
JCC Model Primary School achieved the highest score with 89.1%, followed by Venus Star Academy at 87.8%, and JCC Hai Negil Primary School in third place with 87.6%.
