West African education authorities face examination integrity controversies

West African educational institutions are facing scrutiny following controversies regarding examination results and integrity.

In Sierra Leone, Education Minister Conrad Sackey addressed the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) results, noting a 78.2 percent pass rate. He clarified that 1,927 results were set aside, primarily because 1,640 schools failed to submit required continuous assessment cards, rather than due to malpractice, which accounted for only 0.2 percent of candidates. Additionally, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, called for zero tolerance toward academic dishonesty and fraudulent qualifications.

In Nigeria, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing allegations of technical glitches following the 2026 WASSCE results. Olanrewaju Fadehan, Head of Examinations for the Anambra office, alleged that computer-based testing (CBT) candidates were disproportionately affected by last-minute adjustments. He raised concerns regarding performance in Mathematics, English, and Igbo, and noted that schools investing heavily in CBT infrastructure were negatively impacted.

In Ghana, the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) has demanded that WAEC provide a transparent explanation of the grading process for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) within seven days, citing concerns over withheld results and grading methodology.