By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Union of Civil Society Organizations and Activists (NUCSO–SL) has called on the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to immediately establish an independent investigation panel to look into the poor performance and alleged irregularities that have characterized the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Sierra Leone over the past three years.
In a formal letter dated October 27, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Union expressed grave concern over what it described as a persistent and alarming decline in examination results, particularly the 2024/2025 WASSCE outcome. The Union stated that the outcome has generated widespread controversy and cast serious doubts on the credibility and integrity of the country’s educational system.
The request, according to the Union, seeks to ensure that the causes of the continuous poor performance and reported irregularities are thoroughly examined and addressed in a transparent and accountable manner. The organization also urged the Ministry to collaborate with the Parliament of Sierra Leone in forming the proposed panel to guarantee broad-based oversight and public trust in the process.
“As the umbrella body for all registered Civil Society Organizations and Activists in Sierra Leone, the Union wishes to be officially included in the investigation panel,” the letter stated. “Our participation will help ensure credibility, transparency, and accuracy of the investigative process and its eventual findings.”
The Union further cautioned that failure to act on its recommendation within 21 working days would leave it with no option but to mobilize a nationwide peaceful demonstration across all District Education Offices. It noted that such action would be undertaken in collaboration with parents, pupils, and concerned citizens who have been directly affected by the current state of the country’s education system.
The National President of the Union, King Kaprr Thallay Bah, signed the letter, emphasizing that the initiative is aimed at safeguarding the future of education in Sierra Leone and restoring public confidence in national examinations. “We intend to engage the international community to draw attention to the seriousness of this issue and ensure that examination malpractices and related challenges are addressed comprehensively and sustainably,” Bah noted.
The Union’s correspondence was copied to several key stakeholders, including the Speaker and Opposition Leader of Parliament, the Secretary to the President, the Chief Minister, the Vice President, the Inspector General of Police, the media, and representatives of the international community.
Observers believe the move by the National Union of Civil Society Organizations and Activists reflects a growing frustration within the public about the recurring issues of poor performance, leaked examination papers, and widespread malpractice that continue to undermine educational standards.
Education analysts have welcomed the Union’s call, describing it as a timely intervention that could help identify systemic failures and promote reforms in the management of national examinations. They also emphasized that addressing these issues would require genuine collaboration between government, civil society, and educational authorities to ensure that Sierra Leone’s education system regains its credibility both locally and internationally.
