Haja Namasa Conteh, a young brilliant female pupil who achieved a score of 344 in the 2024 National Primary School (NPSE) has been named best pupil by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE)

The announcement was made over the country’s National Television, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, by the MBSSE Minister Conrad Sackey.

According to Sackey, Haja’s 344 score is higher than the top score in 2023.

A total of 164,971 pupils sat the exam this year, representing an increase of 1,111 compared to the previous year. This year’s exam saw participation from 4,963 schools, an increase of 173 schools compared to 2023.

While there was a significant increase in the number of pupils taking the exam, a concerning number of 4,557 pupils were absent for all subjects. The ministry has indicated that it will be investigating the reasons for this record-high absenteeism rate.

The Minister described Haja Namasa Conteh’s achievement from International School Limited in Freetown as a testament to the dedication of teachers, parents, and the resilience of the educational sector.