Sudanese Certificate Exams: The Countdown Begins

Sudan Events – Agencies

The Sudanese Certificate Exams are set to take place under exceptional circumstances this year due to the rebellion of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which led to the destruction of schools and the displacement of students. Despite these challenges, the state has shown resilience, ensuring that students can sit for their exams and secure their future. All arrangements have been finalized for the exams, which were postponed from 2023, and are scheduled to begin on December 28. The Supreme Committee, headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, has been making extensive efforts, with security forces ready to implement plans to secure the exams across all safe states.

Fashir Determines Exam Centers:
The Ministry of Education in North Darfur has identified centers for the postponed 2023 Sudanese Certificate Exams and announced representatives for each state and the final registration deadline. The centers include the Northern State under the supervision of Abdulrahman Mohamed Omar, River Nile State led by Mohamed Zakaria Ibrahim, Kassala represented by Marwa Sabeel Mahdi, White Nile led by Al-Fateh Ahmed Hasaballah, Gedaref with Omar Mohamed Ibrahim, and West Kordofan under Mohamed Ibrahim Bashir. Additionally, the ministry has designated Abéché, Chad, as an exam center in coordination with the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consulate in Abéché.

River Nile Declares Mobilization:
Dr. Mohamed El-Badawi Abdul Majid Abukoron, Acting Governor of River Nile State, emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a path to a stable life. Speaking at a major mobilization event in Damer for the postponed 2023 exams, he highlighted early preparations, including the formation of specialized committees to address all exam-related matters. He stated that the success of the exams symbolizes pride for River Nile State, its teachers, and a victory for the nation against those who sought to halt development.

Sudanese Certificate Exam Mobilization:
In Damer, the Ministry of Education launched a major initiative to support the postponed 2023 exams, following directives from the state’s governor and chairman of the Supreme Committee. Various developmental, economic entities, and philanthropists participated in this initiative. The River Nile State Security Committee and government leaders offered financial and logistical support to ensure the exams’ success at all stages. Primary and intermediate students in Damer and Atbara also showed solidarity by actively participating in the mobilization efforts.

Practical Exams Begin:
Ahmed Hamid Ahmed Yass, Director General of the Ministry of Education in River Nile State and Acting Minister, oversaw the commencement of practical exams for technical education students at Atbara Industrial School. The exams, part of the 2023 Sudanese Certificate, began with 239 industrial students, 155 artisans, and 37 external students specializing in fields such as automotive, electrical, construction, and machinery.

Agar Supervises Exam Preparations:
Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Malik Agar Ayer, reviewed the Ministry of Education’s plan for resuming the Sudanese Certificate Exams on December 28, postponed due to the ongoing conflict. In a meeting with Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Omar, acting minister of federal education, Agar received a detailed briefing on preparations and pledged to address logistical challenges in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Supreme Security Committee for the exams. Discussions also included donor-funded projects for education reconstruction, digital transformation, and teacher training. Dr. Ahmed Khalifa confirmed the ministry’s readiness and outlined plans for students unable to attend December exams, proposing a rescheduled exam session in March 2025.

South Darfur Exam Logistics:
The South Darfur Coordination Office in Port Sudan announced that students from RSF-controlled areas would sit for exams in five states (White Nile, River Nile, Northern, Kassala, Gedaref) and Chad. The office urged parents to arrange transport for their children, while the exam administration pledged to provide accommodation, meals, and medical care during the exam period. December 1 was set as the final registration deadline.

Khartoum Declares Readiness:
The Khartoum State Preparatory Committee for the postponed 2022-2023 exams has reported steady progress. During a meeting chaired by the Director General of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Qariballah Mohamed Ahmed, the committee reviewed reports on exam center preparation, storage, and funding. Dr. Qariballah assured parents of full security and logistical readiness, including student transportation to distant centers and maintaining a maximum of 30 students per classroom. The Ministry of Health will also screen all students before the exams and provide emergency medical services near exam centers.

(Source: “Sudanese Echoes” website)