Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara, Member of Parliament for Kambia District, has sent a powerful message to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and his government regarding the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) this year.
In a video statement, Honourable Kamara revealed a shocking revelation that over one hundred and fifty thousand students across Sierra Leone may be unable to sit for the WASSCE due to the failure of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to submit Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) for these students. This critical information, he emphasized, has not been widely disseminated to the public, raising concerns about the potential consequences for the affected students.
According to Honourable Kamara’s findings, a staggering 80% of the affected districts hail from the northern region of Sierra Leone, including Kambia District, Western Area, and Makeni. He lamented that in Kambia District alone, not a single student will be able to take the WASSCE this year, citing examples of schools such as Mathura and Bombali where students are similarly affected.
At a time when efforts are being made to steer youth away from illicit activities like drug abuse, Honourable Kamara expressed grave concern that students who should be pursuing further education are instead facing exclusion from the examination system. He highlighted the potential repercussions of this crisis, stressing the detrimental impact on the academic futures of these students.
The Honourable MP placed blame squarely on WAEC, accusing the body of negligence and inaction in addressing the issue. He underscored the urgency of the matter by bringing it to the attention of President Julius Maada Bio, urging swift intervention to avert a catastrophe in the education sector.
“If this issue is not resolved quickly,” Honourable Kamara warned, “it could irreversibly damage the academic prospects of thousands of students.” He emphasized the importance of prompt action by authorities to rectify the situation and ensure that students are not unfairly disadvantaged.
The crisis has sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and students alike, with many calling for accountability and transparency from WAEC. There are growing fears that the failure to resolve the issue promptly could have far-reaching consequences for the affected students, including hindering their access to higher education and future employment opportunities.
As the nation awaits a resolution to this pressing issue, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara’s courageous stand serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding the education system and protecting the interests of students. The collective efforts of government, educators, and civil society will be crucial in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute to the development of Sierra Leone.
