By Mohamed Kamara
Reliable sources within the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have disclosed that the Council’s deadline to the Government of Sierra Leone for the payment of the remaining 30% of examination fees is set to expire in the first week of October 2025.
According to the source, if the government fails to meet the payment deadline, WAEC will proceed to release the results for private school candidates only, leaving public school results on hold until the outstanding amount is settled.
The source explained that out of the total 100% payment due to WAEC, the government paid 50% before the commencement of the examinations. A further 30% is required before the release of results, while the remaining 20% is treated as a revolving loan, to be cleared before the next academic year.
“This payment structure applies not only to the WASSCE but also to the BECE,” the source added. “Even if the government settles the 30% required for WASSCE, another 30% must be paid before the BECE results can be released.”
The prolonged delay in payment has already caused ripple effects across the education sector. Several colleges and universities have postponed their admission processes to December 2025, while the commencement of Senior Secondary School (SS1) classes is now projected for January 2026.
Some principals of senior secondary schools (who preferred anonymity) expressed concern that the ongoing delay could disrupt the academic calendar and undermine the nation’s education standards.
Speaking on the broader impact, Pan-Africanist and education advocate Sulaiman Suntus Kamara said parents and guardians are deeply worried about the uncertainty surrounding their children’s future.
He warned that the continued delay could expose students to negative social vices, including drug abuse, alcoholism, early pregnancy, and youth idleness, which may further strain families and communities.
“The government must treat education financing as a national emergency,” Kamara emphasized. “Delaying payments to WAEC jeopardizes not only students’ academic progress but also the country’s human capital development.
