By Davida Spaine‑Solomon
Freetown, 31st August 2026- Sierra Leone’s fight against examination malpractice must move beyond policing pupils and exam halls, with education leaders insisting that stronger professional integrity, improved teacher welfare, accountable school leadership and tougher institutional oversight are critical to restoring confidence in the system.
The call came during a special Civic Town Hall hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, under the theme “How Do We Address the Threats to Quality Education in Sierra Leone?”
Speaking for the teaching profession, SLTU President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo and Conference of Principals Chairman Abdul Razak outlined the drivers of malpractice and proposed reforms to strengthen credibility.
Mr. Kargbo described exam malpractice as a “major conspiracy” involving multiple actors. He cited five key factors fueling corruption: declining integrity in society, misuse of technology, poor conditions of service for exam personnel, poverty, and favouritism in employment alongside an excessive emphasis on certificates.
He stressed that teacher welfare is central, warning that poor salaries and working conditions create vulnerabilities among staff entrusted with exam materials. While improved remuneration could reduce pressures, he cautioned that hardship must never be used to justify unethical conduct.
The discussion also highlighted the role of school leadership. Mr. Razak argued that principals must ensure exam materials are properly received, securely stored and accurately accounted for, while resisting external pressures that compromise integrity. He called for a structured career pathway into school leadership, with progression from classroom teacher to senior teacher, vice principal and finally principal — supported by mentorship, supervision and continuous professional development.
Both leaders agreed that tackling malpractice requires a system‑wide approach: teachers must uphold ethics, principals must lead with accountability, and institutions must enforce discipline. Parents, government and communities also share responsibility in discouraging shortcuts and promoting genuine learning.
The Civic Town Hall framed exam malpractice not simply as cheating, but as a wider test of professional ethics, institutional leadership and societal values. For Sierra Leone to produce credible graduates and rebuild public trust in education, integrity must stand at the heart of reform.
