The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has initiated steps to address the withholding of over 25,000 candidates’ results from the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which has impacted students across the country.

The Sierra Leone Examination Committee, tasked with overseeing the integrity and fairness of national exams, is set to convene a critical meeting on November 5th and 6th, 2024, to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind the withholding of these results.

This review process aims to provide clarity and determine the best course of action for resolving the issues, which range from suspected malpractice to administrative errors.

Chaired by Chief Education Officer, Professor Yatta Kanu, the committee is committed to ensuring transparency in its approach.

Each case will be assessed individually to guarantee that all students are treated fairly, and no candidate is unjustly penalized. The meeting is expected to mark a significant step toward resolving the matter and restoring confidence in the examination system.

Recognizing the anxiety faced by affected students, parents, and school authorities, the Ministry has assured the public that resolving the issue is a top priority. The potential consequences on students’ future educational opportunities are understood, and the Ministry is working closely with WAEC to expedite the process and ensure a timely resolution.

In the meantime, the Ministry is urging candidates, their families, and school officials to remain patient, with updates from the committee’s discussions to be communicated as soon as they become available.