His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has expressed unhappiness over the 2008 West Africa Senior Secondary schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Addressing students at the Port Loko Teachers College (PLTC), President Koroma appealed to education authorities, parents, teachers, as well as students, to avoid uncouth methods of allowing students to be promoted without the required pass marks.
He added that, he is determined to see education greatly supported, as such 10% of the budget is devoted to that sector; noting that 60% of that was being wasted on ‘ghosts’.
The President stated that he supports the efforts of the Minister of Education to restructure and revitalize the education sector in the Country. He emphasized that to strengthen and carry out our commitment and beliefs, “we have taken this drive to verify schools”- It would go on and it is unstoppable.He said that “education is the only insurance Sierra Leoneans have for the future, noting that at this moment he urged Sierra Leoneans to think deeply and know that education should be the future of our children, education should be the future of Port Loko, education should be the future of Sierra Leone.” He advised the students that they could only be leaders of tomorrow when they prepare themselves today.
He admonished them not to compete on who has the best hairstyle or the best dress; but compete on who has the best result.
The Head of State gave a clear warning that his government would soon ban all occult groups in educational institutions. “We are ready to go into running battles with them (occult groups), and we must instill discipline in this Country.” Government’s new package, he said is to encourage girls to pursue education to tertiary level, stating that outstanding female students would be given scholarships to study abroad. He also indicated that government would soon come up with new regulations for students, which must be adhered to. He reaffirmed that education is the polishing industry for young people to acquire jobs and skills that would give Sierra Leone a future to be proud of.
By Abibatu Kamara
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