Lecturer Calls for Phone Restrictions During WASSCE
Concerns over examination malpractice and the declining performance of students in English Language have prompted calls for stricter measures to safeguard the integrity of public examinations in Sierra Leone.
Lecturer Mr Sheku Putka Kamara has identified the use of mobile phones during examinations as one of the issues contributing to examination malpractice, calling for stronger restrictions on students’ access to phones during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Speaking during an interview with Sarah Kallay blog (SKB), Mr Kamara expressed concern over the level of examination malpractice, noting that the involvement of some examination officials and other examination practitioners in practices that facilitate cheating undermines the credibility of the examination process.
He argued that mobile phones have become a major concern in the examination environment, as their use can create opportunities for candidates to engage in dishonest practices rather than demonstrate their individual knowledge and abilities. Mr Kamara further linked these concerns to the poor performance of some candidates, particularly in English Language, stressing the need for measures that encourage genuine learning and independent academic performance.
He called for stricter monitoring of examination centres and effective enforcement of regulations governing the conduct of public examinations whilst emphasising the importance of addressing weaknesses within the education system, noting that improving students’ academic performance requires attention to both teaching and learning practices as well as the integrity of the examination process.
His observations come amid wider discussions about the performance of candidates in the 2026 WASSCE and the challenges confronting secondary education in Sierra Leone.
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