The Freetown office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) hosted a special awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to honor the best-performing candidates of the 2023 and 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and National Primary School Examination (NPSE). The event, held at WAEC’s lower hall in Freetown, brought together policymakers, students, teachers, parents, and education stakeholders to celebrate academic excellence.
The awards, instituted by the WAEC Endowment Fund, aim to recognize and reward candidates who excel in the Council’s national and international examinations. Acting Head of the National Office, Mustapha G. Koroma, emphasized the significance of the ceremony, stating, “This event is not just a celebration of academic success but a tribute to perseverance, discipline, and the promise of a better Sierra Leone.”
The ceremony highlighted the achievements of 15 exceptional students across the NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE for 2023 and 2024. Among the top performers were:
- BECE 2023: Tejan Sarlahmata Amida (Modern High School) secured 1st position with an aggregate of 6.
- NPSE 2023: David Floydalin (Murray Deen Preparatory School) topped the list with an aggregate of 339.
- WASSCE 2024: Sankoh-Hughes Jared Augustus (Sierra Leone Grammar School) claimed 1st position.
- BECE 2024: Sesay Mariam M. (International School) achieved 1st position with an aggregate of 7.
- NPSE 2024: Conteh Haja Namisa (International School) led with an aggregate of 344.
Mr. Koroma urged schools to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world shaped by technological innovation. “Our young people must be ready to succeed in a dynamic, globally competitive economy. Schools must equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive internationally,” he said.
“As stakeholders in education, it is a great honor to partake in this momentous occasion and to recognize these outstanding students. To all the award winners—today is about you. We are delighted and proud to celebrate your exceptional performances among thousands of your peers,” he said.
The chairperson of the event, Mrs. Salamatu S.N. Koroma, applauded WAEC for its commitment to recognizing excellence. “This gesture not only celebrates outstanding achievements but also motivates school-going pupils across the country,” she remarked.
Dr. Dele Sannoh, a member of the Endowment Fund, encouraged the awardees to inspire their peers and future generations. “You are distinguished for honor. Keep it up. We expect you to develop yourselves and pass it on to others coming after you,” she said.
Chief Education Officer Edward Kpakra highlighted the importance of education as the cornerstone of society. Addressing the students, he said, “Your success is a testament to hard work, discipline, and the unwavering support of your parents, teachers, and the community. Let your achievements today inspire others.”
Call to Action Against Examination Malpractice
Mr. Kpakra also addressed the issue of examination malpractice, describing it as a threat to the education system. He called on students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders to work together to combat this menace and uphold the integrity of Sierra Leone’s education system.
A Celebration of Excellence
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt congratulations to the awardees and appreciation for the teachers and parents who supported their journeys. Representative of the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, Mrs. N. Ganda, commended the teachers for their dedication and reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to fostering education in collaboration with WAEC.
This year’s awards ceremony not only celebrated academic excellence but also underscored the importance of perseverance, discipline, and the collective effort to build a brighter future for Sierra Leone.