BY ADAMA CONTEH
In a startling revelation, the Chairman of the National Union of Private Schools, Rev. Victor O.M. Davies, addressed the press today, shedding light on a pressing issue impacting over 30,000 candidates’ ability to register for the 2023-2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Speaking at a press briefing organized by the National Union of Private Schools at the Dynamic International High School in Wilkinson Road, UN Drive, Rev. Davies emphasized the unjust exclusion of students from public examinations, particularly citing the closure of the registration portal in Sierra Leone. He pointed out that neighboring countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia continued to operate their portals, questioning why Sierra Leone’s was shut down.
Rev. Davies condemned the situation, stressing the urgency of finding a solution to prevent thousands of eligible candidates from being denied the opportunity to sit for the exams. He revealed that despite efforts to engage relevant parties, including discussions with the Ministry of Education and WASSCE authorities, the issue persisted.
One of the key concerns highlighted by Rev. Davies was the refusal of WASSCE to grant access to schools that had already paid for candidates’ registration. He detailed instances where slips were submitted, yet access was denied under the pretext of previous access being granted. Despite interventions from education officials, including the Chief Education Officer, access was still denied, leaving eligible candidates in limbo.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the National Union of Private Schools, Jeremiah A. Ngebanda, suggested a potential ulterior motive on the part of WASSCE. He insinuated that the organization might be attempting to bolster its private WASSCE by rejecting eligible candidates, thereby coercing them to opt for private exams.
Ngebanda further criticized WASSCE for its inadequate preparation and communication regarding the introduction of a new technological system. He revealed that the training provided by WASSCE was insufficient, lasting only two hours and failing to adequately educate principals and teachers on the new system’s intricacies. Additionally, the sudden closure of the registration portal and subsequent restrictions imposed exacerbated the situation.
With the portal closed since July 7th, 2023, and limited avenues for affected schools to rectify their registration status, the looming crisis has prompted calls for urgent intervention from the media, civil society, and government authorities to ensure that students are not unjustly deprived of their right to take the WASSCE.
