By Alusine Sesay
In a bold move to reinforce public trust and uphold the integrity of its examinations, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) held a high-profile seminar on Friday, October 31, 2025, at its Lower Hall in Freetown.
L – R: Alhaji Sulaiman Janneh, Mrs. Matilda Jusu, Mr. Victor Hugo Kamara, Mr. Abdul Razak Kamara, and Mrs. Salamatu Koroma
The event, themed “Stakeholders’ Implementation of WAEC’s Interventions in Curbing Examination Malpractice in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Candidates in Sierra Leone,” brought together a diverse mix of education stakeholders, including students, teachers, policymakers, school authorities, examiners, and the media.
Organized by the Freetown Section of WAEC’s Research Division, the seminar served as a strategic platform to present findings, share insights, and galvanize support for ongoing efforts to curb examination malpractice—a persistent challenge threatening the credibility of Sierra Leone’s education system.
Malpractice Trends: A Mixed Picture
Presenting the seminar paper, Alhaji Sulaiman Janneh, Acting Head of the Freetown Research Division, revealed troubling statistics. While some forms of malpractice have declined, others are on the rise. WAEC data showed:
- Bringing foreign materials into exam halls increased from 0.7% in 2021 to 2.31% in 2024
- Candidates caught with mobile phones rose from 2.50% in 2021 to 5.44% in 2025
- Irregular activities inside/outside exam halls surged from 0.70% in 2021 to 3.28% in 2025
Education stakeholders at the seminar
Janneh emphasized that such malpractices derail the purpose of examinations, kill the spirit of hard work, and lower productivity due to lack of competence.
To combat these issues, Janneh referenced the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, amended in 2019. Section 128(3) criminalizes corrupt practices in educational programs, prescribing a fine of Le50,000 or a minimum of five years imprisonment, or both. He noted that the severity of these penalties could serve as a strong deterrent.
A communique issued by education stakeholders recommended a multi-pronged disciplinary approach for offenders, including:
- Cancellation of results
- Ineligibility for subsidized resit fees
- Public display of names on malpractice lists
- Prosecution by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
- Withdrawal of school subsidies and WAEC numbers
- Dismissal of implicated teachers, invigilators, and WAEC staff
Recommended Interventions
Janneh outlined several interventions proposed by stakeholders to strengthen examination integrity:
- Use of metal detectors to screen for electronic devices
- Photo albums for candidate identity verification
- Secure delivery of question papers in coded, sealed bags
- 30-minute release window for question papers before exams
- Sensitization programs on the consequences of malpractice
- Strategic hall placement and selection of reliable invigilators
- Enforcement of WAEC sitting arrangements
- Mandatory presence of admission notices during exams
These measures aim to create a secure, transparent, and fair examination environment.
Mrs. Matilda Jusu, newly appointed Head of WAEC’s National Office, reiterated the role of the Research Division in addressing issues that impact assessment, teaching, and learning across WAEC’s five member countries. She emphasized that seminars like this are vital for educating the public and reducing misconceptions; enhancing confidence in WAEC’s certificates; discussing irregularities and performance gaps; and supporting policy development and global best practices.
“Examination malpractice is not just peculiar to Sierra Leone,” she said. “It is prevalent across the region. This seminar is part of a broader initiative to engage stakeholders in all member countries.”
She said they are determined to bring examination malpractice to zero.
Government and Institutional Support
Mrs. Salamatu Koroma, representing the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, stressed that the credibility of examinations is central to the integrity of the education system. She acknowledged the rise in malpractice and affirmed the Ministry’s full support for WAEC’s reforms.
She highlighted key interventions, including digitalization of exam processes, stricter supervision and invigilation protocols, collaboration with security agencies, and integration of civic and moral education into the curriculum.
Koroma emphasized that sustainable change must go beyond punitive measures and be rooted in moral education, civic responsibility, and a culture of honesty.
Mr. Abdul Razak Kamara, representing the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, outlined the role of school administrators in curbing malpractice. He emphasized:
- Training of invigilators
- Strict monitoring and security of question papers
- Promotion of academic integrity
- Ongoing dialogue and collaboration with WAEC
He called for continued vigilance and proactive engagement from school leaders.
Mr. Victor Hugo Kamara, Director at the Teaching Service Commission and chairman of the seminar, commended WAEC for organizing the event. He warned that examination malpractice threatens to erode the gains made in education and urged all stakeholders to remain committed to reversing the trend.
From a public relations standpoint, the seminar was a strategic success. It:
- Reinforced WAEC’s commitment to transparency and integrity
- Fostered dialogue among key stakeholders
- Demonstrated proactive leadership in tackling systemic challenges
- Enhanced public confidence in WAEC’s examination processes
By combining data-driven insights, legal enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and public education, WAEC is positioning itself as a resilient and responsive institution in the face of evolving challenges.