Sudanese Secondary Certificate: Students in the Line of Fire
By: Thanaa Abdeen
Students of the Sudanese Secondary Certificate, from the deferred batch of 2023-2024, are expected to sit for their exams on December 28, according to the schedule announced by the Ministry of Education. This step comes amidst the ongoing war in Sudan, which broke out on April 15 last year, leading to the disruption of the education system across the country.
While the Acting Minister of Education, Ahmed Khalifa, confirmed that arrangements are complete for the exams to be conducted in hundreds of centers in secure states and 46 centers across 15 countries hosting Sudanese refugees, reports indicate that Chad has refused to conduct the exams for Sudanese refugee students within its territory. The number of students registered for the exams stands at 75.5% of those who had initially registered before the war began.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) also announced their rejection of the move, stating in a press release that they will prevent students in areas under their control from reaching exam centers in safe zones, particularly in the Darfur region. The RSF argued that holding exams in some regions while excluding others signals the division of the country and declared that they will take measures to reopen schools.
The Sudanese Teachers’ Committee issued a statement reiterating their earlier demands, including a ceasefire during the exam period and the opening of safe corridors to ensure that students, teachers, and exam materials can safely reach the designated centers. They also urged UN organizations concerned with education to intervene and facilitate these demands through engagement with all parties.
Sayed Timba, head of the Teachers’ Committee in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, expressed concerns that holding exams in certain states while excluding conflict zones exacerbates the problem. He warned of potentially severe reactions from both sides of the conflict, stating:
“The Sudanese Secondary Certificate exams are one of the few credible remnants of the country, and they must be inclusive for all students nationwide.”
With less than two weeks remaining before the exams, many students have not yet received their seating numbers. When asked about this, the Federal Minister of Education confirmed that the seating numbers are ready but attributed the delay to efforts to accommodate more displaced students and those wishing to sit for the exams. He assured that the process is technically complete.
Regarding students in conflict zones, a responsible source at the Ministry of Education stated that the ministry has left it to local authorities and parents to arrange individual transportation for students to prevent endangering their lives. The ministry has committed to addressing their needs, including accommodation and other logistical details, emphasizing that the safety and protection of students are the governments responsibility.
As for Chads position on preventing refugee students from sitting for the exams in refugee camps, the same source revealed that the Refugee Affairs Commission intervened, leading to Chadian authorities agreeing to conduct the exams outside the camps in the city of Abeche. The ministry plans to transport supervisors and exam papers to the location soon.
