By Ibrahim Sesay
The Deputy Minister 1 of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Emily Gogra, has on Saturday May 3 2025, conducted an inspection of examination centres in Freetown as 171, 099 pupils across Sierra Leone take the National Primary School Examination (NPSE).
Of the total number of candidates, 88,526 were girls and 82,573 were boys. The total number of candidates this year showed a massive increase as compared to 2024 which was at 160, 414 candidates. These figures are a testament to Government’s commitment to providing Free Quality Education.
Speaking during the inspection, the Deputy Minister said the inspection was intended to monitor the smooth running of the exams, ensure timely arrival of examination materials, confirm the presence of authorized invigilators and maintain a conducive environment for the pupils.
“I have been moving around since this morning; this is my tenth school,” she said. “Every centre I’ve visited had the correct number of students, papers arrived on time and invigilators were present. Most importantly, I saw children who were motivated and eager. Though it’s their first national exam, they were composed and ready.”
She emphasized that the Ministry, in partnership with the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), had addressed previous logistical issues surrounding adequate furniture, early delivery of materials and the selection of accessible examination centres. “I have not witnessed any incident of malpractice so far and I’m hopeful it remains that way through the rest of the exams,” she added.
The inspections were not limited to Freetown. Emily Gogra confirmed that the Ministry had deployed monitors to all 16 districts across the country. “This process is decentralized. The Minister, Conrad Sackey, is in Kenema, the Deputy Minister 2 is in Bo and I have been covering Freetown, including its rural areas.”
She noted that going forward one area for improvement would be the number and location of centres in rural communities. “Some pupils had to travel far to reach their centres and we want to reduce that next year.”
In one of the centres, Ishmael Momoh, a 12 year-old pupil from Christian Hope Primary School shared his experience: “I feel happy that I’ve been able to write this exam. Maths was hard for me because I’m not very good at it, but the other papers were easy. I studied a lot and my parents gave me all the support I needed.” He expressed optimism for a good grade as he hopes to attend his school of choice, Prince of Wales.
Outside the examination centre, parents waited patiently while their children write the exam. Mariama Jane Kamara, mother of one of the candidates, said: “I came to show love and support to my child. I want him to always know I’ll be there for him. I’ve done everything possible to prepare him and I’m confident he’ll pass with flying colours.”
The NPSE remains a crucial stage and transition point for pupils coming from primary school and entering junior secondary school. As the exam concluded on Saturday,3 May 2025, parents and candidates would have to patiently wait for the release of the results.
