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A civic organisation has raised urgent concerns over what it describes as an alarming surge in examination malpractice during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN) has written to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, warning that widespread cheating, leakages, collusion, bribery, and the use of “ghost students” are undermining the credibility of the nationally recognised exam.
In a letter dated this week, PAN described the situation as a “national emergency” and a direct threat to the future of education in Sierra Leone.
According to the group, two particularly damaging trends have emerged: the demoralisation of hardworking students who feel their efforts are futile, and the growing public normalisation of corrupt examination practices.
PAN further alleged that the malpractice involves compromised school administrations, teachers, parents, and even officials within the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The organisation stated it is currently compiling a comprehensive position paper outlining practical solutions to the crisis.
The group has called on the Ministry to institute immediate monitoring measures and requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss collaborative strategies.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and WAEC.
