Hike in examinations certificate fees spark public concern
By Emmanuel Mandella
South Sudan National Examinations Council (NEC) has increased the charges for certificates, stating that the new changes will be effective from Monday, July 14.
According to NEC, fees for a new Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) will now be SSP 30,000, while for the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) is SSP 40,000. On the other hand, reprints for a lost, damaged or defaced certificates for both primary and secondary will cost SSP 50,000.
The fee hike come at a time when financial constraints have already delayed marking of CPE and CSE papers since early February, affecting over 79,000 primary and 50,000 secondary school candidates, due to inadequate funding . These delays threaten timely progression for thousands of students, raising urgent questions about the affordability of the system.
While the NEC has assured cooperation with the Ministry of Finance to secure necessary resources, education experts warn that additional costs could further marginalize vulnerable learners. With only 30% of teachers regularly compensated through official payrolls and widespread absenteeism linked to economic hardship, imposing additional fees may exacerbate dropouts and widen educational inequality.
School affordability is critical as UNICEF and WFP programs covering fees and offering school meals have been shown to boost enrollment and retention, especially for girls and displaced children.
Conversely, fees for certification can become a barrier, particularly in impoverished households where poverty rates exceed 70%.
“Increasing exam certification fees places additional strain on families already overwhelmed by hunger, conflict, and under-resourced schools,” cautions Dr. Mary Johnson, a Yambio-based education specialist.
“If the government doesn’t counterbalance these costs, we risk reversing the gains in access to education and widen the gap between those who can and cannot afford education.”
Experts stress that any fee adjustments should be matched with robust scholarships, fee-waiver programs, or capitation grants to ensure disabled and disadvantaged students aren’t left behind.
The global commitment enshrined in South Sudan’s 2011 constitution guaranteeing free primary education only holds weight if implementation remains consistent.
As certification fees rise, the government is urged to detail how additional revenue will support systemic improvements and teacher salary consistency, exam processing, and educational infrastructure.
Without clear follow ups, the move may deepen existing inequalities, derail academic progress, and undercut long-term development goals in a nation still emerging from conflict.
With rising certification costs imposing a new financial hurdle, South Sudan faces a moment of reckoning: bolster support for its future generation or risk eroding the fragile gains in its education sector.
