Freetown, 11th November 2026- The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has expressed concern over complaints from students of the Sierra Leone Law School regarding the publication of the 2025/2026 Bar Final Examination results.
According to the SLBA, concerns raised by students include reports that a number of candidates have not yet received their examination results. The Association said it has also taken note of a notice issued by the Sierra Leone Law School on 8th November 2026, which stated that results were emailed to candidates on 7th November 2026 and that those who had not received their results may have failed the examination, failed to provide an email address, provided an incorrect email address, or had outstanding tuition fees.
The Bar Association said it is concerned that under this arrangement, candidates who have not received their results cannot determine whether they failed the examination, were affected by an administrative error, or owe fees. It stressed that every candidate who sits the Bar Final Examination is entitled to be formally and individually informed of their result, regardless of the outcome.
The Association further noted that the Bar Final Examination serves as the gateway to admission into the legal profession and that its administration must be transparent, fair, and accountable in order to maintain public confidence in legal education and the legal profession.
As part of its recommendations, the SLBA urged the Registrar of the Sierra Leone Law School to ensure that every candidate receives an individual written notification of their result, whether they passed or failed. The Association also called for the establishment of a formal written procedure with clear timelines for candidates to submit concerns and grievances, in addition to the current in-person consultation process. It further urged transparent engagement with affected candidates and regular updates on progress.
The SLBA stated that, as a statutory member of the Council of Legal Education, it is engaging relevant stakeholders to establish the facts and secure a prompt and fair resolution of the matter. The Association said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of legal education, upholding professional standards, and ensuring that the interests of candidates and the wider legal profession are duly considered.
