The Justice Reform Initiative-SL (JRI-SL) has condemned the mass withholding of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). In a press release dated Friday, October 30, 2026, the organisation described the situation as a threat to the academic future of thousands of Sierra Leonean students. JRI-SL expressed concern that the widespread withholding of results could undermine students’ educational ambitions and affect their chances of securing university admission.
JRI-SL gave WAEC and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) a 21-day ultimatum to address the matter, warning that it would pursue legal action if the affected results were not released. The organisation argued that withholding thousands of candidates’ results without individual evidence of wrongdoing amounts to a disproportionate response that could unfairly affect innocent students. JRI-SL also raised concerns about WAEC’s examination administration, supervision and examination centre security arrangements.
The organisation called on WAEC and MBSSE to establish an emergency and transparent verification process to review the 13 categories of alleged examination infractions. JRI-SL wants the results of candidates against whom there is no direct evidence of cheating or malpractice to be released without further delay. The organisation also urged the authorities to announce a clear deadline for completing the investigations.
JRI-SL further called for a national dialogue to examine recurring concerns surrounding students’ performance in English Language, particularly given the subject’s importance in meeting university admission requirements. The organisation maintained that students should not be made to suffer the consequences of institutional weaknesses and called on the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to protect their educational opportunities.
The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with affected candidates and their families, stressing that access to education is a fundamental right and that the handling of examination irregularities should not unnecessarily jeopardise the future of young Sierra Leoneans. JRI-SL warned that failure by WAEC and MBSSE to address its demands within the 21-day period would leave it with no option but to seek legal redress on behalf of affected families.
JRI-SL also urged the authorities to examine the conduct of examination officials and school personnel whose alleged administrative failures may have contributed to the irregularities. The organisation argued that alleged irregularities should not be blamed solely on candidates without investigating the possible roles of examination personnel, school authorities, supervisors and invigilators.
The issue has sparked widespread concern, with many stakeholders calling for a swift resolution to the impasse. The 21-day ultimatum has set a deadline for WAEC and MBSSE to respond to the demands of JRI-SL.
Key points
- JRI-SL gives WAEC and Education Ministry 21 days to release withheld WASSCE results
- Organisation cites threat to academic future of thousands of Sierra Leonean students
- JRI-SL warns of legal action if demands are not met within 21 days
