The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has strictly warned some universities against repeating examinations for Honours Degree programmes after failing papers, which it says risk compromising the integrity of the programmes.
The sharp warning, issued in a letter directed to Vice Chancellors and Principals across universities in Sierra Leone, urged the institutions of higher education to adhere especially to the conduct of examination, a best practices governing honours programmes both locally and internationally.
TEC noted that honours degree programmes are designed to be rigorous and merit-based, with academic progression and classification dependent on the continuous demonstration of academic excellence.
“Allowing students to re-sit or repeat examinations compromises the integrity and intended academic standard of Honours qualifications,” it reads in part.
According to TEC, institutions must desist from the practice of allowing students in honours programmes to repeat failed examinations, stressing that such practices dilute the value of the honours qualification and undermine the credibility of the national higher education system.
It strongly urged all universities to uphold the academic standards and integrity of honours programmes, as stipulated in their validated curricula and in accordance with national quality assurance guidelines.
Despite the growing concerns over compromising honours programmes, TEC promised to overhaul the challenges, thereby closely monitoring institutional compliance and reserving the right to take corrective action where necessary.
“We trust that you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate steps to rectify any such practices currently in effect at your institution,” it stated, hoping for a strict adherence to the best practices of honours programmes, moving forward.
