Government Launches “Sit Clean, Pass Clean” Campaign to Combat Examination Malpractice

The Government of Sierra Leone has rolled out a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at curbing examination malpractice among students.

Spearheaded collaboratively by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the initiative targets candidates sitting for the National Primary School Examination (NPSE), the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The campaign utilizes a series of vibrant digital posters and official notices that blend formal warnings with relatable local vernacular to connect directly with the youth. Under the banner of “Sit Clean, Pass Clean” and “Pass Wit Honor,” the government is urging students to rely on their academic preparation rather than illicit exam materials.

To ensure the message resonates, the ministries have explicitly called out common cheating tactics using popular street slang. Campaign materials warn students against relying on “Ngegba” (smuggled notes), “Ball” (leaked exam questions), and “Missile” (answers passed around during tests).

One of the campaign’s prominent slogans states, “Real gee dae study — na spy man dae fen ball,” which translates to “A real student studies, while a cheater looks for leaked papers.” Another poster depicts a student ignoring text messages offering leaked answers, accompanied by the text, “Ball Don Drop? Study Fine No Leakage. Trust wetin yu study.”

In a widely circulated public notice accompanying the visuals, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education underscored the severe long-term impact of academic dishonesty.

“Pass your exams with honesty and honor,” the notice read. “Examination malpractice destroys futures and weakens the value of education in Sierra Leone.”

The government has rallied the public behind the initiative using the unifying hashtag #SaloneBigPasWiAll (Sierra Leone is bigger than us all), calling on candidates to prepare well, believe in themselves, and sit for their exams with integrity.