By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has called for collective national action to address persistent poor performance in English Language, particularly following concerns raised by the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
Speaking to Truth Media, the Minister acknowledged that poor performance in English Language had remained a longstanding challenge for more than a decade, spanning successive administrations, including the current government.
He urged Sierra Leoneans to put aside political differences and contribute constructive criticism and practical recommendations towards improving the country’s education system.
“Pointing fingers has never taught a child to read,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that blaming previous or current administrations would not resolve the challenges confronting students.
He assured Parliament that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) had already begun implementing measures to address concerns arising from the 2026 WASSCE results.
According to him, interventions were being undertaken in English Language classrooms and at examination centres, alongside efforts to address concerns affecting candidates whose results remained withheld.
He said the Ministry was working around the clock to respond to the challenges, stressing that timely interventions were essential to ensuring that affected candidates received the necessary attention and support.
The Minister also drew attention to the human impact of examination results, noting that behind every WASSCE result was a young person, a family and an entire community whose future could be affected.
He maintained that candidates, who passed, failed or were still awaiting their withheld results deserved equal attention, regardless of their political or social backgrounds.
“They are Sierra Leone’s children,” he emphasised, reaffirming the Ministry’s responsibility to ensure that every candidate received the attention and support needed.
The Minister further stressed that improving educational standards should be regarded as a collective national responsibility rather than the sole burden of government or the Ministry.
Citing the popular Krio expression, “Wan han no de tie bundle,” meaning one hand cannot tie a bundle, he called on parliamentarians, parents, teachers and citizens to unite in addressing the challenges confronting the education sector.
He specifically urged Members of Parliament on both sides of the House to become active partners in improving educational outcomes, particularly in addressing students’ persistent difficulties in mastering English Language.
The Minister’s appeal comes amid renewed national debate over the 2026 WASSCE results and growing calls for sustained interventions to strengthen teaching, learning and examination performance.
He maintained that improving Sierra Leone’s education system requires practical action, collective responsibility and a shared commitment to placing the interests and future of children above political differences.