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Mamusu Patico Komeh, a senior officer at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has broken her silence following widespread debate over the case of a 45-year-old woman caught writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) meant for school candidates.
The incident, which sparked concern among the public and on social media, raised questions about the eligibility criteria for taking the WASSCE. In her official statement, Komeh clarified that although there is no official age limit for writing the WASSCE, the exam is conducted in two different formats, each with distinct eligibility requirements.
“The current May-June WASSCE is strictly for school-going children,” Komeh explained. “Candidates for this version are assessed not only through the final exam but also through Continuous Assessment scores, which make up 30% of their final grade.”
She further noted that to qualify for this school-based exam, candidates must generally be 25 years or younger or have sat the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) within the past 3 to 4 years.
“In this case,” Komeh continued, “the woman in question is over 25 years old and last sat the BECE more than a decade ago. As such, she does not meet the criteria for the May-June WASSCE and should have registered for the private WASSCE held between November and December, which is open to all, regardless of age or educational background.”
Komeh emphasized that the participation of a non-school-going candidate in the school-based exam is a clear examination malpractice, adding that such violations compromise the integrity of the national education system.
She concluded by encouraging the public to report any suspected irregularities and reiterated WAEC’s commitment to maintaining high examination standards while providing accessible opportunities through appropriate channels.
The case remains under investigation, and disciplinary measures may follow for those found culpable.
Number to report
Is this not the same country that we saw an elderly person took NPSE exams ? Why was she not disqualified from taking the same public exams? I think it’s the right for all Sierra Leoneans to access good and quality education.
NPSE is not external exam it is just national so think when writing
Sure
Actually, I get where you’re coming from, but it’s a bit different. The NPSE case was about access to education in general. But for WASSCE, the policy states that to qualify, you must have taken the BECE at least 3 or 4 years earlier. So it’s more about following that timeline, not denying someone’s right to education.
This story nor clear. We understand that wassce exam is for student above age 18. Why are we now having an age limit. Thier was a boy who sat and got his requirements to enter university but he was told to wait until he gets 18. And also an examination meant for primary kids which is the NPSE and elderly man sat that exam with a lot of praise in this same regime why the case of this woman is different now just say you have a personal issue with her
we go understand
Why should a Sierra Leonean who is fighting hard to better her life should be caught, subjected to ridicule and molestation all in the name of examination malpractice.
What is the radical inclusion is all about?
SLPP, you guys need to be very careful. The people are watching you. Please release that innocent soul and stop causing pain for that woman.
That woman is a strong sympathizer of the SLPP and so her family.
Why are you trying to be a torn in the flesh of those who put your to power? Why?
I I think you need to carefully go over the entire statement again, because it seems like you may have misunderstood — and that’s okay. For once, let’s try to be civil and act like it. This issue has absolutely nothing to do with politics. If we want Sierra Leone to progress, we need to respect laws and policies, not go against them. It’s our responsibility as citizens. So once again, this is not about POLITICS. If we continue to view everything through that lens, Sierra Leone will always remain the way it is today.
Madam Fisher woman, I applaud you for a job well done by shamefully fishing out your colleague elderly woman from the ongoing exams hall. But I also hope that you replicate same for Government workers above the retirement age. God will surely punish you if don’t go and fish out those above 60 years of age that are still occupying government offices. I pause for the time being.
Do for love of education
The school should be held responsible and next time try to handle the situation professionally.
Can somebody please tell me something in this media that the constitution of our country requires age for any examination because for me I have such and research in our constitution there is no age limit towards any public examination whether it is national or international examination so I don’t think there’s any right for those people to disturb that woman for taking her examination
This woman should be applauded to have taken the courage to sit to an exam to improve her life. What has happened to adult education in Sierra Leone? Instead of shaming her, WAEC should have taken a step to recognize her efforts and find a pathway to regularizing her exam.
If we believe in education, Salone should prioritize adult education. The war did not do justice to our country. It sadly put us back at least 20years. It is sad to note that education has gone down the tubes. If we compare education until the mid 80s to that of today, we need to rethink.
This country is becoming rubbish, first of all before accusing the woman of malpractice, let’s ask ourselves; isn’t there an examination body that regulate the affairs of the exam?
Why didn’t they detect the woman’s date of birth during her entries? Isn’t WAEC that give out BRS to students? Was the woman’s date of birth not on her BRS?
Bo le dem free da uman ya