By Baraka John
Parents and pupils in Western Equatoria have breathed a sigh of relief after the State Legislative Assembly compelled the Ministry of General Education to cancel a controversial increase in examination fees.
The ministry had earlier announced that candidates in public schools would pay 100,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) and those in private schools 150,000 SSP—well above the national rates of 80,000 SSP and 120,000 SSP. For many families already struggling with rising costs of living, the extra fees came as a heavy burden.
Lawmakers reacted swiftly, summoning education officials to explain the decision. Members of the Assembly said the move violated a directive from the national ministry and unfairly punished parents.
Hon. Mary Sungu Yore, chairperson of the Assembly’s Information, Culture and Sports Committee, said she was troubled by claims from the examinations director that papers would not be transported to Juba unless parents paid the extra money.
“Our people are already suffering. Forcing them to pay more than what the national circular requires is unacceptable,” she said. “We have resolved that parents will only pay the national rate, and any extra money collected must be refunded.”
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Clement Gongi Liba of Mvolo County, welcomed the reversal and warned schools against defying the directive. “This was nothing short of an illegal tax on struggling families,” Gongi said. “Any school that charges more will risk losing its license.”
For parents across the state, the Assembly’s intervention brings welcome relief. Many had feared their children’s chances of sitting for the national exams would be in jeopardy if they failed to raise the extra fees.
Now, with the ministry rescinding its decision, candidates in public schools will pay 80,000 SSP and those in private schools 120,000 SSP, in line with national standards.
Primary Eight pupils are expected to sit for their exams in December 2025—without the added financial pressure that once loomed over their families.