Post a comment A report from Bonthe District in the Southern Region of Sierra Leone has indicated concerns over the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) live practical sessions, citing limited laboratory facilities in the area.
According to Salone Eye Media, which conducted a monitoring visit to one of the examination centres in Moriba Town, Imperi Chiefdom, Bonthe District, on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, the visit took place during the Chemistry Practical Examination.
The purpose of the visit was to engage key stakeholders overseeing the ongoing public examinations and to assess the conduct of the reintroduced live practical sessions, which have returned after several years of suspension.
During the visit, interviews were conducted with examination supervisors, representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, officers of the Sierra Leone Police, and WAEC officials overseeing the practical examinations.
Officials stated that the 2026 WASSCE examinations are progressing peacefully and smoothly, with no major incidents reported at the centre. They also commended candidates for their discipline and cooperation throughout the examination process.
However, despite the smooth conduct of the examinations, stakeholders raised concerns over the shortage of laboratory facilities within Sierra Rutile operational communities and surrounding areas.
They noted that there is currently only one functioning laboratory available for live practical examinations within the entire Sierra Rutile catchment area, located at Imperi Secondary School. As a result, candidates from multiple schools are relying on a single facility for their Chemistry and other science practical examinations.
Education stakeholders described the situation as challenging, particularly given the reintroduction of live practical examinations in public assessments.
They emphasised that science education requires well-equipped laboratories and adequate scientific materials to be effectively implemented. While describing the revival of practical examinations as a positive development, they stressed the need for improved infrastructure, particularly in rural districts such as Bonthe.
Stakeholders have therefore called on the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, to increase investment in laboratory facilities across the district to ease pressure on existing infrastructure.
They further noted that improved laboratory infrastructure would enhance student performance in public examinations and strengthen science education, innovation, and national development.
