The 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results have been released, showing a 90.5% pass rate, according to Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey.

The exam administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is a critical milestone for third-year Junior High School students, determining their eligibility for senior secondary education.

This year, 121,125 students from 1,835 schools participated in the exams, with 61,957 females and 58,289 males. The pass rate represents a significant achievement, with a 21% increase in candidates earning at least five passes, including English Language and Mathematics.

Top performers included Mariam M. Sesay from International School and John Sitta from Alfren International Junior Secondary School, both achieving an aggregate score of 7. Additionally, 835 schools reported a 100% pass rate, while 461 schools recorded a 95% pass rate.

However, challenges persist. The results of 879 candidates are being withheld due to late registration entries, and 5,578 candidates either failed to sit for all subjects or had their results canceled. This year’s 121,125 released results mark a decline in total candidates compared to 127,065 in 2023, 127,889 in 2022, and 131,483 in 2021. This trend is attributed to fewer students failing and having to repeat the exam.

For the fourth consecutive year, more females (6.3% higher than males) participated in the BECE, reflecting progress in gender parity in education.

Minister Sackey also addressed concerns about third-term school subsidies, confirming that they had been paid. However, he acknowledged some schools are struggling to access funds due to complications with community banks. The Ministry of Finance has pledged to disburse first-term subsidies after salaries are paid in November.

In response to potential teacher strikes, the minister clarified that grievances relate to subsidies and learning materials, not salaries. Efforts are underway to resolve these issues to prevent disruptions in the education sector.