President Bio Warns Against Examination Malpractice Amidst $2B Education Push
President Julius Maada Bio issued a stern warning against examination malpractice during the Presidential Town Hall 2026 in Makeni this week, cautioning that widespread cheating risks are undermining the government’s massive investment in the country’s future.
Reflecting on the progress of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme, President Bio highlighted that the government has invested over US$2 billion into the initiative since its inception in 2018. The programme was designed to expand access and reduce barriers to schooling, a goal the President noted has been largely achieved.
“Education now is easier than before,” the President told the assembly, referencing the significantly improved learning opportunities now available to students across Sierra Leone.
However, he emphasized that this substantial financial commitment would be rendered meaningless if pupils rely on examination malpractice rather than genuine academic achievement. The President argued that such practices not only compromise the quality of education but also pose a grave threat to the nation’s development by producing graduates who lack the necessary knowledge and skills.
“A huge investment would be wasted if children continued to engage in examination malpractice,” President Bio stated, urging students to move away from shortcuts and instead embrace hard work, honesty, and discipline.
The President concluded his address with a call to action, demanding that parents, teachers, school authorities, and national examination bodies work in concert to protect the integrity of the education system and restore confidence in national testing standards.
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