By Ragan M. Conteh

The unfolding ugly scenario in this tiny West African nation endowed with numerous natural resources has forced the Speaker of Parliament the Right Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas to ask a rhetorical question as to “Who is bewitching this nation?” He added: “Where have we actually gone wrong as a nation?”

The Speaker said this yesterday 27th January 2025 in the well of Parliament while making submissions on the ongoing debate on National Council for Technical and Vocational Education Act 2024.

According to him, so many things have gone wrong especially with our educational system which he said has forced many to drop out of schools in the country.

He described the educational structure of Sierra Leone as ‘nothing to write home about,’ adding that all Sierra Leoneans are responsible for the protracted problems.

Hon. Thomas went furthered that the retrogressive state the country is facing is not caused by a particular government or party but a collective responsibility.

The Deputy Leader of government business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie also expressed dismay over the poor state of education in Sierra Leone.

He expressed frustration that majority of WASSCE students over the years had to bribe their way to university after failing to get requirements, charging that even those who get good grades cannot write simple English.

Hon. Silikie however commended those who only obtained three or four credits being best students because they used their knowledge to get those results.

“Lack of discipline and accountability in our educational system are some the key factors responsible for the falling system,” he stressed in despair, insisting that if the country should develop, then the technical part of the country’s educational system should be strengthened.

The Member of Parliament from Kambia District who doubles as the Chief Whip of the opposition in Parliament, Hon Abdul Karim Kamara has also expressed concern over the failure of Universities to accept the NCTVA results as requirements.

Hon. Kamara said almost all the Universities across Sierra Leone are only accepting WASSCE results with five credits leaving those that have gone through technical studies.

He said there are lots of students that have graduated from technical colleges but Universities have refused to incorporate them because they don’t have WASSCE results.

He suggested a way students can be accepted to do degree courses at University level even with certificate from technical educational centers so that they cannot be left out, noting that no country can develop without technical jobs.

Many others expressed similar sentiments and urged colleagues to speedily pass into law the Act for the development of Sierra Leone.