Opposition Leader Warns Withheld WASSCE Results Could Jeopardise University Admissions
Aaron Parker Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to resolve the withheld 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results fairly and promptly to prevent affected students from missing university admission opportunities.
In a press release dated November 28, 2026, Kargbo expressed concern over the Ministry’s announcement on October 27 that the results of 47,454 candidates, comprising 26,735 females and 20,719 males, had been withheld.
He said the uncertainty surrounding the results could jeopardise students’ chances of gaining university admission and delay their educational progress, noting that behind every withheld result was a young person with ambitions and a family that had made sacrifices to support their education.
Kargbo urged WAEC and the Ministry to provide clear explanations for the withholding of the results, conduct fair and timely investigations into affected cases, and communicate a definite timeline for resolving the matter.
While emphasising the importance of protecting the integrity of public examinations, the opposition leader said allegations of examination malpractice must be thoroughly investigated and any sanctions imposed only on the basis of evidence and fair procedures.
He stressed that withheld results should not automatically be treated as cancelled results, adding that suspicion alone should not be regarded as proof of wrongdoing.
Kargbo also called on the relevant authorities to engage universities and other tertiary institutions to consider flexible admission arrangements for affected candidates, subject to the eventual release of their results and the institutions’ entry requirements.
He warned that students cleared of wrongdoing should not be forced to lose an academic year simply because investigations extend beyond university admission deadlines.
The opposition leader said the matter required urgency, transparency and compassion, stressing that students deserved clear answers and a fair opportunity to pursue their education.
He added that the future of young people should remain a national priority, irrespective of political differences.
