Sierra Leone has witnessed a record number of absenteeism during the 2024 National Primary School Examination (NPSE).
While announcing the examination results on Wednesday, Minister of Basic And Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE) Conrad Sackey said that a concerning number of 4,557 pupils were absent for all subjects. This unprecedented number includes 2,364 girls and 2,193 boys.
The ministry has indicated that it will be investigating the reasons for this record-high absenteeism rate.
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.
Haja Namasa Conteh from International School Limited in Freetown achieved the highest score of 344.
Mr minister you already know the reason why those students were absent for the exams but to help you, they were absent due to fees, high cost for uniforms including shoes etc and hunger. You guys are well paid to send your children to private schools and give your children good life and they eà 3 Times a day while those (voters) who employ you are dying slowly in pain. Please pay their parents well and see what will become of the next exams.
Mister Minister this is a clear sign that you people are not fear to the nation 99.99% of you guys, your children are outside the country for better education. If at all some of your children are doing their schooling here, you would have understood the point am coming from.