A total of 199,292 candidates in ordinary and advanced levels of secondary school, Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) kicked off their national examinations countrywide in what officials said was a smooth exercise.
Speaking at the official launch of the examinations at Groupe Scolaire Shyorongi, the Minister of State for Education in charge of Primary and Secondary education, Gaspard Twagirayezu said that said that preparation of this year’s national examinations went on smoothly, compared to last year, when the Covid-19 pandemic hampered the process.
Twagirayezu pointed out that the flawless exercise is also a sign that academic performance will improve greatly this year given that there were not many glitches affecting students and teaching in general.
The State Minister, who was accompanied by the Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) Director General, Dr Bernard Bahati and the Mayor of Rulindo District, Judith Mukanyirigira, wished the candidates at the centre success in their exams, calling them on to give it their very best.
“We believe our students are well prepared and ready, having had a smooth academic year compared to last year when we were still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic,” the State Minister said.
“You have been examined in topics you have studied for the past three years. You had enough time with your teachers to prepare for these exams. You have been involved in the teaching process. It is your turn not to be afraid and attempt every question with confidence. You will pass and we wish you nothing but success,” Minister Twagirayezu.
He pointed out that the exams were well organised with all players on board to ensure that they went smoothly and delivery of question papers was done in a timely and efficient manner.
“We want to encourage our students to aim for the very best so that we have the best performance ever, assuring them that the examination process is transparent for all and they shouldn’t be afraid.
A total of 429,151 students registered for the state exams this year, of which 229,859 sat for primary school examinations, while 127,469 are sitting O’Level Exams and some 47,579 students sitting their Advanced Level Exams. Some 21,338 students are doing TVET exams while 2,906 are sitting their exams in teacher training colleges.
State Minister Twagirayezu warned students against examination malpractices, stating that those caught will be discontinued.