Unity State appeals for safe passage of Panyijiar pupils to sit national exams
Unity State Caretaker Minister of Information and Communications Nyakenya Johannes Keah has appealed to authorities in Panyijiar County to guarantee safe passage for Primary Eight candidates travelling to neighbouring Leer County to sit their 2026 national examinations scheduled for November 16–20.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Keah said the state government had proposed transporting the candidates to Leer and returning them home after the examinations, with UNICEF agreeing to facilitate the transportation arrangements and parents consenting to the proposal.
However, the minister said the arrangement was rejected by Panyijiar County Commissioner Stephen Gai Riak and forces under the command of Tap Jiech, who allegedly prohibited the students from leaving the county.
Describing the situation as deeply regrettable, Keah warned that political disagreements and insecurity should not deprive children of their right to education.
“A child’s future should never become a casualty of political disagreements, insecurity or failures of leadership,” Keah said, adding that every child deserved an equal opportunity to sit national examinations after years of preparation and sacrifice.
The minister also raised concerns over the continued absence of Unity State Government officials from Panyijiar, alleging that some appointed officials had faced arrest, deportation and intimidation whenever they attempted to discharge their duties.
She further cited internal divisions and fighting between forces loyal to Hon. Nathaniel Oyet Peri and those aligned with Hon. Regina Joseph Kaba, warning that the situation had created an unpredictable security environment that could threaten examination invigilators and other personnel.
Keah also recalled last year’s examination leakage incident in Ganyliel, which resulted in the cancellation of examinations, saying the government was determined to prevent a similar disruption.
She said the state government was concerned that the crisis went beyond examinations, touching on children’s fundamental rights and equal opportunities.
“The Government of Unity State is deeply concerned because this situation goes beyond examinations; it concerns the fundamental right of children to education and equal opportunity,” she said.
Keah, speaking on behalf of the Unity State Government under Caretaker Governor Dr Joseph Manytuil Wejang, appealed to community leaders, traditional authorities, parents and other stakeholders in Panyijiar to engage their local leadership and ensure the candidates are allowed to travel to Leer.
“Education is a right, not a privilege. No child should be denied the opportunity to pursue their future because of circumstances beyond their control,” the minister said.
She urged all parties to put the interests of the children above political differences and ensure that the candidates travel safely, sit their examinations and return home without obstruction.
