By Abdul Kamara

The National Union of Civil Society Organizations and activists (NUCSO-SL) has urged the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to set up an independent investigation panel to probe the persistent poor performance and alleged irregularities surrounding the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Sierra Leone.

In a letter dated October 27, 2025, addressed to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Union expressed deep concern over what it described as a troubling decline in examination results over the past three years. The group noted that the 2024/2025 WASSCE results have sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity and credibility of the education system.

NUCSO-SL said the proposed investigation would help uncover the root causes of the problem and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public examinations. The Union also called on the Ministry to work with Parliament in setting up the panel, arguing that such collaboration would foster public trust and ensure fair oversight.

“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 guarantee credibility, transparency, and accuracy in the investigative process.”

The Union warned that if the government fails to act within 21 working days, it will mobilize a nationwide peaceful protest in collaboration with parents, pupils, and concerned citizens. According to the Union, this action would seek to demand accountability and meaningful reform in the education sector.

NUCSO-SL’s national President, King Kaprr Thallay Bah, who signed the letter, said the initiative is meant to safeguard the future of education in Sierra Leone. He added that the Union plans to engage international partners to bring global attention to the issue and ensure that examination malpractice and poor academic standards are effectively addressed.

Copies of the letter were sent to several key stakeholders, including the Speaker and opposition leader in Parliament, the Secretary to the President, the Chief Minister, the Vice President, the Inspector General of Police, and the international community.

Many education experts have welcomed the Union’s call, describing it as a bold and necessary step toward restoring public confidence in national examinations. They say only a transparent and inclusive investigation can help rebuild trust and ensure that students in Sierra Leone are assessed fairly and on merit.