The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE) in Sierra Leone has come under parliamentary scrutiny over its handling of 47,454 withheld West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. The development follows concerns raised by MP Daniel Brima Koroma during parliamentary proceedings on October 29. Koroma called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withheld results, arguing that students should not be penalised for alleged irregularities without first establishing individual responsibility.
According to the MBSSE, the results were withheld over suspected examination malpractice. The cases involve 26,735 female and 20,719 male candidates. The Ministry announced on October 27 that the results were subject to further investigation and that some or all of the affected results could be released depending on the findings. This move has raised concerns about examination oversight, accountability, and the need to protect candidates' academic interests while investigations continue.
MP Daniel Brima Koroma indicated his intention to invoke Standing Order 20 to bring the matter before Parliament and seek the Minister's appearance during Question Time. Koroma's concerns were seconded by Rebecca Yei Kamara, Chairperson of Parliament's Oversight Committee on Basic and Senior Secondary School Education. However, Kamara cautioned against setting up a separate parliamentary investigation that could duplicate the work being carried out by the relevant authorities.
The Speaker of Parliament subsequently advised Koroma to submit his concerns in writing, outlining the specific issues he wanted addressed. This submission will provide a basis for Parliament to consider requesting the Minister's appearance. Education Minister Conrad Sackey is expected to answer questions about the affected candidates and the circumstances surrounding the withheld results.
The controversy has renewed attention on examination oversight and accountability in Sierra Leone. The 2026 WASSCE figures have also raised concerns about performance in English Language. Data published by the Sierra Leone News Agency showed that 63.33 per cent of candidates failed the subject, while only 9.77 per cent obtained credit grades. This has sparked concerns about the quality of education in the country.
The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) is responsible for administering the WASSCE examination in Sierra Leone. The examination body has a critical role to play in ensuring the integrity of the examination process. The MBSSE has assured that it is working closely with WAEC to investigate the cases of suspected examination malpractice.
The parliamentary scrutiny of the withheld WASSCE results is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the cases. The Education Minister's appearance before Parliament will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to ask questions and seek clarification on the matter. The outcome of the investigation and the fate of the affected candidates will be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector.
Key points
- 47,454 WASSCE results withheld over suspected examination malpractice in Sierra Leone.
- Education Minister Conrad Sackey to be summoned to Parliament to answer questions about the affected candidates.
- Parliament to scrutinize the handling of the withheld results and examine measures to prevent examination malpractice.
