By Ijoo Bosco
The Caretaker Minister of General Education in Eastern Equatoria State, Ibwaha Lucy Allam, has directed security organs to closely monitor secondary schools across the state to ensure that examination candidates comply with the ban on renting houses and attending private coaching sessions.
Allam issued the directive while summoning school administrators and examination candidates over the continued practice of renting private accommodation to prepare for national examinations, despite the ministry’s prohibition.
She warned schools against allowing Primary Eight and Senior Four candidates to leave school premises and rent houses for examination preparations, describing the practice as illegal, unacceptable, and potentially harmful to students’ academic performance and discipline.
Speaking during school inspections in Torit Municipality, the minister said security organs would monitor schools to identify individuals or groups attempting to violate the directive or undermine the credibility of the examination process.
She warned that any suspected attempts by school administrators, teachers, parents, or other groups to facilitate illegal house rentals or private coaching would be dealt with according to the law.
Allam urged suspected head teachers and other individuals involved in the practice to immediately desist from the activities.
She stressed that the ministry had not authorised candidates to leave their respective schools and move into rented accommodation ahead of the national examinations expected in November.
The minister also cautioned against allowing girls and boys to stay in rented houses under the pretext of examination preparation, saying the arrangement could expose them to misconduct and negatively affect their academic performance.
She questioned why candidates needed to rent houses or attend private coaching when they could adequately prepare for their examinations within their schools under the supervision of teachers and school administrators.
Allam appealed to parents to advise their children against leaving school premises to rent houses or participate in unauthorised private coaching, emphasising the importance of discipline and a conducive learning environment during the examination preparation period.
She further disclosed that the ministry was preparing for the upcoming Primary Eight and Senior Four examinations, although examination materials had not yet been received.
The summoned school administrators reportedly represented more than five senior secondary schools in Torit Municipality, including Fr. Saturnino Ohure Memorial Senior Secondary School, Torit Day Senior Secondary School, Airport View Senior Secondary School, Dr. John Garang Senior Secondary School, Bishop Akio Senior Secondary School, and Progressive Senior Secondary School.
The minister’s directive comes amid efforts by education authorities to ensure that candidates prepare for their examinations in approved school environments, comply with the ban on private coaching, and protect the integrity of the national examination process.