76 000 matric candidates are ‘progressed learners’: Department

The Department of Basic Education has revealed that 76 000 individuals out of the nearly 960 000 matric candidates sitting for this year's final examinations are categorized as "progressed learners". This figure was disclosed during a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, alongside assurances of the examination's readiness and the steps taken to ensure a smooth testing period. The exams are being conducted at over 7 000 centers throughout the country.

Priscilla Ogunbanjo, the Chief Director in Examinations, noted that the number of progressed learners has doubled this year as compared to last year. She explained that "progressed learners" are those who may not have met the full promotion requirements, yet they have shown significant performance when given the opportunity to advance. In the previous year, there were 41 000 such learners, and this year the number has increased to 76 000.

The department has reportedly been well-prepared for this year's matric final examinations, which kicked off on Tuesday.