Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a crucial effort to resolve longstanding issues affecting the conduct of public examinations, National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker convened a high-level meeting with education stakeholders on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Office of National Security (ONS). The meeting focused on concerns surrounding the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Present at the meeting were officials from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE), the West African Examination Council (WAEC), and the Conference of Principals. Caulker expressed appreciation for the dedication of school principals and teachers in shaping Sierra Leone’s educational landscape, describing their sacrifices as patriotic. He emphasized the urgency of addressing recurring challenges that strain state resources annually.
One of the key issues discussed was the payment of fees for pupils to sit private WASSCE exams. Caulker stressed that this practice should be phased out and urged principals to play a critical role in ensuring all eligible students receive government-sponsored support. He also highlighted ONS’s role in preventing security risks associated with examination disputes, particularly in light of recent concerns raised on social media.
The meeting addressed a widely circulated letter from a group named “Coalition for Principals’ Solidarity,” which outlined demands and threatened to boycott this year’s WASSCE. Caulker called for a cautious approach to resolving the matter, urging stakeholders to prioritize the interests of students.
MBSSE’s Head of Inspectorate Division and School Quality Assurance, Francess Nana Kamara, provided insights into a prior meeting at Government Model Secondary School, which led to the publication of the letter on social media. She clarified the process for WASSCE registration, including the submission of Continuous Assessment Records (CASS) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results into the WAEC portal.
Kamara emphasized the importance of compliance with examination standards, explaining that candidates must have valid CASS and BECE results to be eligible for government-sponsored WASSCE. Failure to meet these requirements had led to controversy among school principals.
Conference of Principals Chairman Abdul Razack Kamara distanced the organization from the social media letter, reaffirming their commitment to working within the framework set by WAEC. While acknowledging concerns over recent changes in examination eligibility criteria, he stressed the need for constructive dialogue.
In response, a senior MBSSE official asserted that WAEC was not altering policies arbitrarily but adhering to existing legal standards. WAEC representatives also clarified doubts regarding the registration process.
At the conclusion of the meeting, stakeholders agreed on several resolutions, including convening another session with the Chief Minister, Minister of Education, Chief Education Officer, and Conference of Principals. Additionally, a comprehensive database of affected students, including their CASS reference numbers, will be compiled to address concerns.
The engagement marks a pivotal step toward ensuring fair and transparent public examinations, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to educational integrity and national progress.