It was no rest for a South Sudanese female candidate who took her exams in a hospital — only three hours after giving birth.

Mary Ayen, 18, had hoped to finish secondary school leaving exams before her baby was born, but she suddenly went into labour on Thursday morning, right before her exam was due to begin.

Ayen gave birth at Rumbek State Hospital in Lakes State and continued writing her examination papers. "I am confident that I will pass these exams despite my delivery. I am fine now after delivery. I will continue doing my exams," Ayem told Radio Tamazuj on Friday.

"We have agreed with my husband and my parents that I should continue my studies, and now I will not stop here. I will continue with university studies,” she said.

Isaac Mading, a midwife at Rumbek State hospital maternity ward, said: “18-years-old Mary Ayen Mamer came to us in the hospital at around 5:00 am. She is fit to continue with her exams at the hospital, she has given birth to a baby girl, and the newborn baby's weight is 2.7 kg, which is normal,” she said.

Meanwhile, Elijah Marial Agok, an invigilator to the female candidate, said: “I am here in Rumbek State Hospital with her and security personnel to ensure that she continues writing her exams until she is discharged from the hospital.”

"I think it is a great opportunity for all female candidates to learn that nothing can prevent you from pursuing your studies, whether pregnant or breastfeeding. And this is an inspiring story to all of you, so don’t worry about your conditions during exams,” Elijah said.

The South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education examinations kicked off across the country on Monday.