By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Mariama Yelie Bangura, a pupil of Providence International High School, has emerged as the top-performing candidate in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with an outstanding aggregate score of 7.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, by the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, during the official release of the national results in Freetown. The minister commended Mariama’s exceptional performance, describing her as a shining example of academic excellence and discipline among Sierra Leonean students.
According to Minister Sackey, the overall national pass rate for the 2025 BECE stands at approximately 91 percent, representing a significant improvement compared to previous years. He noted that the remarkable results reflect the ongoing reforms and investments made in the country’s education sector by the government and its partners.
“The 2025 BECE results demonstrate steady progress in the quality of learning and teaching across schools,” the minister said. “We are proud of the achievements of our students and the efforts of teachers, parents, and school administrators who continue to contribute to these successes.”
Minister Sackey also praised the strong performance of female candidates, revealing that ten of the top sixteen best-performing students this year are girls. He described this as a positive sign of gender balance and a reflection of the government’s continued commitment to promoting girls’ education nationwide.
“This year’s outcome highlights that when girls are given equal opportunities and the right support, they can excel and even lead in academic achievement,” he added.
Education observers have hailed the results as a major boost for the Free Quality Education initiative, which continues to expand access to education while improving learning outcomes across Sierra Leone.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to further strengthening the education system through improved teacher training, better school facilities, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to ensure fairness and transparency in national examinations.
He encouraged students who sat the 2025 BECE to build on their achievements as they progress to senior secondary schools, emphasizing the importance of hard work, integrity, and dedication to studies.
Parents and school administrators across the country have also expressed delight over the improved national pass rate and the growing number of female students achieving top results.
Mariama Yelie Bangura’s exceptional performance, according to education stakeholders, serves as an inspiration to young learners across Sierra Leone, demonstrating that focus, consistency, and determination can lead to academic excellence.
