Minister Wurie Demands Stronger Action to Restore Confidence in Education System

Minister of Technical and Higher Education Hon. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie has called for stronger institutional measures to protect the quality and credibility of Sierra Leone’s education system.

She made the call on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a Special Edition Civic Town Hall at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, hosted by Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah under the theme, “How Do We Address the Threats to Quality Education in Sierra Leone?”

Minister Wurie identified examination malpractice, weak institutional accountability, misuse of technology and fraudulent academic qualifications as major threats to education standards.

Drawing on her experience in academia, she stressed the need for stronger implementation of institutional policies and disciplinary measures. She particularly warned against normalising examination malpractice, noting that academic dishonesty among students could carry into their future professional and leadership roles.

To address the challenge, she advocated greater use of digital technology in examinations, including electronic testing, randomised question banks and artificial intelligence to assist with marking, subject to quality checks by lecturers and heads of departments.

She also called for stronger verification of academic qualifications to combat fake degrees and fraudulent certificates, stressing that individuals entering professional and leadership positions must possess genuine credentials.

Minister Wurie concluded by calling for collective responsibility, stronger institutional controls and strategic use of technology to safeguard education standards and ensure Sierra Leone does not compromise the quality of graduates taking on future professional and leadership responsibilities.