Central Equatoria State Achieves 94.5% Pass Rate in 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations
By Denilson Deneki
The Ministry of General Education and Instruction in Central Equatoria State has officially announced the results of the 2024 Primary Leaving Certificate Examinations, showcasing a remarkable 94.5% pass rate. Out of 21,092 candidates who took the exams, 19,942 students successfully passed.
This announcement was made at a special event in Juba, where Hon. Cirisio Zacharia Lado, the State Minister of Education, praised the dedication of all stakeholders, including educators, students, and parents. Opening the ceremony with a prayerful invocation, Hon. Cirisio highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in enhancing the education sector throughout the state.
Top Performers and School Highlights
Notable top-performing candidates include:
1. Felix Lualawani Joubi – 453 marks (JCC Heinegli)
2. Moses Jerry Ashero – 453 marks (JCC Model)
3. Edward Moses Akech – 452 marks (Zeker Reba Batis)
4. Sabrin Paulino Francis – 451 marks (JCC Model)
5. Anthony Goubet Manuel – 451 marks (JCC Model)
The JCC Model and JCC Heinegli schools continued their tradition of academic excellence by dominating the top ranks. Hon. Cirisio acknowledged the increasing influence of private schools in achieving these results and urged for improvements in public education to lessen the performance gap.
Subject Performance and Challenges
According to Mr. Angelo Paulino, the Director of Examinations, Christian Education recorded the highest subject pass rate at 94.7%. Other subjects, including Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, and English, also reported impressive pass percentages. However, Islamic Religious Education presented a significantly lower pass rate, averaging around 50%.
The ministry attributed this gap to the absence of a standardized syllabus in previous years and the language barrier, as the subject is primarily taught in Arabic—a language not commonly instructed in most schools.
Public vs. Private School Performance
In response to media inquiries about performance disparities between private and government schools, Mr. Paulino acknowledged that private institutions benefit from better teacher motivation, conducive learning environments, and extended teaching hours. He expressed optimism that the performance gap is narrowing and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the education system across the board.
Addressing Delays and Early Admissions
The ministry also addressed concerns regarding early admissions of Senior One students prior to the official results release. Officials explained that the presence of returnees, repeaters, and displaced students contributes to early admissions in some private schools, clarifying that no government school had admitted students prematurely.
Delays in announcing examination results were linked to the national Ministry of Finance’s late disbursement of funds, which affected the marking and processing timelines. Hon. Cirisio called for a more efficient financial release system to facilitate timely examination cycles in the future.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with officials reaffirming their commitment to addressing performance gaps, improving teacher welfare, and adjusting the academic calendar to accommodate new students without compromising syllabus coverage.
“This year’s results are a testament to our collective efforts,” said Hon. Cirisio. “Let us continue to work together to create a brighter future for the children of Central Equatoria.”
