A South Sudanese lawmaker at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has criticized the Ministry of General Education for failing to deliver examination results to schools after their official release.
During the 13th ordinary sitting held on Monday, September 8th, 2025, Giel Thou, representing Mayom County in Unity State under the SPLM-IO, said many students have been unable to access their results due to high charges by Digitel telecommunication company and its lack of network coverage in some remote areas.
“Up to now, the results of the candidates that were released two weeks ago have not yet reached the schools”, he said
He emphasized that despite a contract between the Ministry and Digitel Telecom allowing students to access their results digitally, many remote areas lack network coverage, rendering the service inaccessible.
Thou further criticized the cost of accessing results through Digitel, which stands at 7,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP).
“The 7,000 SSP charge is not affordable to the public. Students cannot afford 7,000 SSP even to access the result,” he stressed.
He underlined that results should be physically delivered to schools to ensure equitable access.
Additionally, he stressed that the failure to distribute results has left many students stranded and anxious about their academic futures.
On 20th August 2025, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction released the 2024 results of the South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education.
Responding to the matter, Speaker of Parliament, Right Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, acknowledged the concerns by reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to accountability.
“The minister was already last time asked to come here then immediately the result was released,” said the Speaker.
“He can still also come to answer this question, even the minister of higher education was supposed to come also on the issue of scholarships, but he travelled. Still, they will come,” Nunu highlighted.
The South Sudan National Examinations Council (SSNEC) began printing Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) for the year 2024 on August 27, 2025, but the delay has sparked broader concerns about digital equity, affordability, and the government’s responsibility to ensure timely and inclusive access to education services.
As students and schools await the results, pressure mounts on the Ministry to provide a clear explanation and swift resolution.