The government of Sierra Leone has lost over $25,000 paying for absentee candidates in the 2024 and 2025 WASSCE exams, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Minister Sackey, disclosed in Parliament while updating lawmakers on WAEC continuous assessment scores. The losses, he stressed, highlight the urgent need for stricter oversight in school examination processes.
In response, Minister Sackey has ordered all school principals and heads to sign formal undertakings for every candidate they send to sit the 2026 WASSCE exams. Punitive measures, including fines and possible dismissal, will be imposed on any school head who registers ineligible candidates.
“The ministry cannot continue to bear financial losses caused by absentee or ineligible candidates. It is critical that we enforce these measures to safeguard public funds and ensure the integrity of our examination system,” Minister Sackey said.
He further noted that the Ministry will work closely with the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate any principal found violating these directives. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability, uphold educational standards, and restore public confidence in the country’s examination system.
