By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched an inquiry into a major discrepancy in the number of registered examination candidates, raising concerns over possible financial mismanagement and inefficiencies in the education sector.
During a recent parliamentary session, PAC Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh highlighted a discrepancy of 17,695 candidates in the list of students submitted for national exams. According to him, the Ministry of Education reported 220,000 candidates, while the verified list reviewed by auditors accounted for only 203,000. This gap has raised suspicions of potential financial mismanagement, as the government funds exams based on the number of registered students.
The auditors noted inconsistencies in the number of students registered versus those who actually sat for exams, with some schools submitting inflated figures. Hon. Conteh demanded the submission of all relevant documents, including the official lists sent to the Ministry of Finance for payments.
The committee questioned why the government continues to pay for students who are registered but do not take the exams. Hon. Conteh suggested that payments should be strictly based on verified attendance records, arguing that marking fees should not be allocated for absent students.
Another major concern raised was the readiness of Sierra Leone’s education system for upcoming international-standard exams. Representatives from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) admitted that they lack the necessary funding to implement the updated curriculum. Despite multiple appeals since 2022, financial support has not been provided, jeopardizing the country’s ability to conduct internationally recognized exams by 2026.
The committee emphasized that this issue goes beyond politics and requires a national effort. “The future of Sierra Leone is at stake,” Hon. Conteh stressed. He called for urgent action from the government to provide the necessary funding and ensure that reforms in the education sector are implemented effectively.
To address these pressing concerns, the Public Accounts Committee has requested a detailed reconciliation of all submitted lists and payments made. Additionally, discussions will continue on how to secure funding for WAEC to align its examinations with international standards.
The findings of this investigation could have major implications for Sierra Leone’s education system, potentially leading to stricter oversight of exam registration processes and financial management.
