Hon. AKK Warns Of WAEC Exam Exclusion Crisis

By Benjamin S Conteh

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the Opposition Chief Whip of the All People’s Congress (APC) in Parliament, has raised a pressing concern under Standing Order 34 regarding the exclusion of students from this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Speaking at the well of Parliament, Hon. Kamara highlighted that the situation has significantly worsened compared to last year, affecting numerous students, particularly girls, across the country.

Hon. Kamara reminded the House that he had previously raised this issue last year when an entire school in Magburaka, consisting of over 560 female students, was left out of the examination process. This year, the situation has escalated, with hundreds more students affected.

He revealed alarming statistics:

• 400 female students from private schools have been excluded from the exams.

• 7 schools in Kambia were entirely left out.

• 20 schools in Kenema were also affected.

• In total, 120 schools across the nation have been excluded this year.

“This issue is not caused by the school principals but rather by a failure in the verification process handled by the Ministry of Education,” Hon. Kamara stated. He explained that while the Ministry verifies candidates’ eligibility for the examination, the portal used by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) often closes before the process is complete. This administrative oversight leaves students unable to register and participate in the exams.

“This is a dire situation, especially for a nation where the government emphasizes gender empowerment and the education of girls. We cannot continue to deprive our students, especially girls, of their right to education and examination,” he emphasized.

Hon. Kamara called on Parliament to urgently address this recurring issue to prevent future occurrences. He stressed the need for the Ministry of Education and WAEC to improve coordination and streamline the registration process to ensure no student is left out.

The Speaker of Parliament acknowledged the gravity of the issue and instructed the Clerk of Parliament to take note of the matter for further deliberation and action.

The Opposition Chief Whip’s intervention highlights the critical need for systemic reforms in Sierra Leone’s education sector to guarantee equal opportunities for all students.