West Sepik Grade 8s sit exams despite paper delays

In West Sepik Province, 5,699 Grade 8 students from 112 primary schools have started their National Examination, despite a significant delay in the arrival of testing materials.

Provincial Education Director Hillary Suamba confirmed the exam papers arrived in Vanimo on Saturday morning due to a flight delay. The materials were scheduled to arrive two weeks earlier, which would have allowed more time for distribution.

Education officials worked through Saturday and Sunday to dispatch the papers across the province.

Mr. Suamba acknowledged that schools in remote areas might receive their materials late. He also warned that strict penalties are in place for any students or teachers caught cheating.

The Director noted that the province often faces logistical and financial challenges when transporting educational materials.

He thanked the stakeholders and individuals who provided vehicles to help deliver the exams materials to respective schools.

For the Telefomin district, exam papers are being sent separately from Kuinga in Western Province.