Conrad Sackey, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Sierra Leone, has taken decisive action to address mounting concerns regarding the ongoing school admissions process in Freetown.

In response to a surge in complaints, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has summoned an emergency meeting with the leadership of oversubscribed schools.

The meeting, held on December 1st, 2023 tackled a range of issues raised by both parents and students. These concerns include alleged excessive distortion by school authorities, manipulation of admission cut-off points, and deliberate acts denying deserving students their rightful placements.

Expressing deep concern and disturbance over these reported actions, Minister Sackey emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the admission process. The Ministry intends to address these inconsiderate actions head-on and ensure that every student has an equal opportunity for education.

To facilitate the investigation, school authorities have been directed to submit essential documents, including the admission list, results of admitted pupils, a list of repeaters for SSS1, and the class list for SSS1. This move signals the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education system and holding accountable those responsible for any irregularities.

As Sierra Leone strives for an equitable and inclusive education system, Minister Sackey’s proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to rectifying issues promptly and ensuring a fair and just environment for all students.