Parliament Seeks Answers From Education Minister Over 2026 WASSCE Results
Alex Fefegula Harding WASSCE malpractice and poor English Language performance in 2026 are now the focus of a parliamentary inquiry, as thousands of Sierra Leonean students await their results.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education Conrad Sackey is expected to account for the examination outcomes before Parliament, alongside officials of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
The engagement follows growing public concern over the results released on Oct. 27, particularly the decision to withhold the results of 47,454 candidates over suspected examination irregularities.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, the affected candidates comprise 26,735 females and 20,719 males. The results remain subject to investigations, and withholding does not mean the candidates have been found guilty of malpractice.
English Language performance has also become a major issue. Figures published by AYV Media show that 63.33% of candidates failed the subject, raising questions about learning outcomes and the effectiveness of English Language instruction in secondary schools.
The Parliamentary Committee on Basic and Senior Secondary Education reportedly summoned Sackey and WAEC representatives to explain the figures and provide details about the investigations.
Committee Chairperson Rebecca Yei Kamara had urged lawmakers to give the minister an opportunity to explain the situation before reaching conclusions, according to reports published by Truth Media and Sierra Leone Monitor on Nov. 3.
The parliamentary engagement is expected to examine how the examination irregularities were identified, the reasons behind the withheld results, and the steps authorities intend to take to address weaknesses in students’ academic performance.
For the thousands of affected candidates and their families, the outcome could provide important clarification on when outstanding results may be released and what measures will protect students whose results remain under investigation.