Freetown, 29th October 2026- Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to urgently and fairly resolve the cases of 47,454 candidates whose 2026 WASSCE results were withheld on allegations of examination malpractice.
In a statement issued following the Ministry’s announcement on October 27, Kargbo expressed concern over the impact the decision could have on thousands of students seeking admission to universities and other tertiary institutions.
According to the Opposition Leader, the affected candidates, comprising 26,735 females and 20,719 males, now face uncertainty that could disrupt their academic progression and potentially cost them opportunities for higher education.
“Behind each of these results is a young person with ambitions, a family that has made sacrifices, and years of hard work,” Kargbo said, stressing that the future of the affected students should remain a national priority.
He called on WAEC and the Ministry to provide clear explanations on the withholding of the results, conduct investigations fairly and expeditiously, and communicate a definite timeline for concluding the process.
While emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of Sierra Leone’s examination system, Kargbo noted that allegations of malpractice must be thoroughly investigated and any sanctions imposed only based on credible evidence and due process.
He further argued that withheld results should not automatically be treated as cancelled results, warning against equating suspicion with proof of wrongdoing.
The Opposition Leader also urged universities and other tertiary institutions to consider flexible admission arrangements for affected applicants pending the outcome of investigations, saying that students eventually cleared of wrongdoing should not be forced to lose an academic year due to administrative delays.
Kargbo said the situation requires urgency, transparency, and compassion, adding that young people deserve clear answers and a fair opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations. He appealed for all stakeholders to place the interests of students above political considerations as the review process continues.
