By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Government of Sierra Leone, as overseen by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), has officially declared the abolition of examination fees for repeaters of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) starting from the year 2024.
This announcement, originating from a press statement released by the MBSSE permanent secretariat in New England Ville, Freetown, on December 13th, 2023, aims to fulfill the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s human capital through inclusive and equitable access to Education.
The MBSSE emphasized that the decision to refund these fees is aligned with the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) initiative, which places particular emphasis on covering the essential costs of formal and non-formal education. This initiative includes the payment of school fees and subsidizes examination fees for students in government and government-assisted schools. The MBSSE stressed that this concession has now been extended to first-time repeaters, representing a goodwill gesture by the Sierra Leonean government to alleviate the financial burden on parents and guardians.
Expressing disappointment, the MBSSE addressed the widespread abuse by certain school authorities, allowing individuals aged 35-50 years to register for the exams. This action, deemed unfortunate and embarrassing, has led to significant disruptions in exam conduct and prompted a policy reversal regarding fee payments for repeaters. However, the Ministry will make special concessions for candidates with registered and verified disabilities.
In a specific note, the MBSSE warned individuals between the ages of 35-50 who intend to take the WASSCE in 2024 and beyond to register for private exams at their own expense. Despite this change, the MBSSE assured the public that the government, through the Free Quality School Education program, remains committed to covering core costs such as school fees, examination fees for regular candidates in the NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE classes, as well as providing teaching and learning materials, diet for government boarding schools, and school feeding programs.
In conclusion, the Ministry emphasized the necessity for compliance with the new policy, cautioning that any deviations observed from school authorities could result in appropriate actions being taken against them.
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