By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
In order to tackle examinations malpractices in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has warned against the wanton use of mobile phones and extortion in the ongoing Secondary school leaving examination in the country.
The Commission in a statement dated 17 May 2023 noted complaints on allegations of malpractices, extortion, and the wanton use of mobile phones by candidates, with the consent of the Invigilators at Examination Centers. It noted that the aforementioned practice is in contravention of the established position of the Commission, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
The press statement highlighted a Section in the Anti-Corruption Amended Act of 2019, which states that; “A person who engages in corrupt activity or practice, in a programme organized or conducted by an educational institution or examination body, to confer an advantage on himself or another person commits an offence”.
It reiterated its position to school authorities, invigilators, and all examination officials to not demand or accept any form of advantage or bribe from pupils, parents, guardians, and counterpart school authorities to facilitate examination malpractices including, spying and possessing foreign materials in the ongoing Examination.
The ACC reminded and cautioned that the Elite Scorpion Squad of the Commission will swiftly move in, should intelligence establish organized examination malpractice cells and networks, and will arrest and detain all involved should they find evidence, and prosecute accordingly.
It encouraged the public to make complaints or reports to the ACC at its Headquarter Office, Tower Hill, in Freetown, or any of their offices in the region if they suspect any malpractices whilst the exams are ongoing.
Esther Macauley a WASSCE candidate in Freetown blamed examination malpractices on invigilators and WAEC officials, saying that they are pivotal in any exam malpractice that occurred. She said they always put money at the forefront when monitoring examinations, noting that only students who can afford money to pay the exam officials get engaged in those practices.
She urged the ACC to start cleansing WAEC if they want to tackle malpractices in public exams.
Edmond Harding a parent of two pupils explained in an interview with Politico that malpractices started when teachers could not complete their yearly school syllabuses and opted for extra classes. He said if the ACC is serious to end corruption in schools and public examinations, they should ensure that teachers complete their syllabuses on time to prepare pupils for the exams.
He also alleged that the WAEC officials sent to monitor those exams are the very conspirators of examination malpractices. He further stated that malpractices also extend while marking the examination script which he said should be paid keen attention to.
Politico could not reach the Chairperson for the Conference of Principals in Sierra Leone Mariatu Isha Mansaray for a reaction on the issue despite calls, messages, and a visit to her school.
A few years ago, it could be recalled that the ACC displayed teachers at the Cotton Tree round-about in Freetown with placards tied on their necks after they were allegedly caught in a special room established for certain candidates outside the main examination rooms .
Copyright © 2023 Politico (19/05/23)
