Sierra Leone To Assume Chairmanship of WAEC for a Three-Year Term, Minister Sackey

In a significant development, Mr. Conrad Sackey, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, has announced that Sierra Leone is set to assume the chairmanship of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for a three-year term.

This privileged position provides an opportunity for Sierra Leone to enact desired changes within the WAEC system. Minister Sackey shared this revelation during a meeting with the leadership of the National Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (NCPSS) on January 4, 2024, at the Ministry's Headquarters in Freetown.

Minister Sackey emphasized the significance of 2024 as the "year of education" in Sierra Leone, citing three major activities that the nation is poised to benefit from on a global scale. Taking over the chairmanship of WAEC is a noteworthy achievement, and Sierra Leone aims to leverage this opportunity to bring about positive transformations in the examination council's operations.

The Minister highlighted that Sierra Leone will host the WAEC meeting in March, providing a platform to initiate the desired changes and reforms. This leadership role signifies the nation's commitment to shaping the educational landscape within the West African region.

Addressing concerns raised by the National Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, Minister Sackey reaffirmed the government's dedication to meeting the demands of teachers and school authorities. He disclosed that 99% of the Ministry's budget is allocated to recurrent expenditures, covering crucial areas such as salary payments, school fee subsidies, and public examination fees. Notably, only 1% is earmarked for capital expenditure.

This announcement underscores Sierra Leone's proactive approach to enhancing its educational system and contributing to regional educational governance. The Chairmanship of WAEC offers a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy influence among member states, and Sierra Leone is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of educational assessment within the West African region.

As Sierra Leone assumes the chairmanship of WAEC, the nation looks forward to a three-year term of impactful leadership, fostering positive changes, and contributing to the advancement of education across the West African subcontinent. Stay tuned for updates on the developments and initiatives spearheaded by Sierra Leone during this significant period in the realm of regional education.