By Sulaiman Stom Koroma
The Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Aiah Lebbie, has raised concern over what he describes as a steady decline in students’ interest in mathematics and the sciences, warning that the trend could have long-term consequences for national development.
Speaking on the issue, Professor Lebbie questioned why students who performed strongly in mathematics at the secondary school level are increasingly opting out of science-related degree programs at the university. He cited cases where students obtain high grades, such as A1 in math and a B2 in further mathematics, but still choose to pursue disciplines outside the sciences.
He explained an incident where he met a student at FBC who told him she scored an A1 in mathematics. But when she was asked why she did not apply to study mathematics, she replied by saying, “Are nor know aw are get A1 pa math sef”
He noted that such academic profiles would normally position students well for mathematics, engineering, and related fields, yet many are applying for courses in social sciences and other non-science areas. According to him, this pattern reflects a worrying mismatch.
Within the University of Sierra Leone system, the leadership believes this trend is contributing to gaps in critical national sectors that depend heavily on scientific and technical expertise.
Professor Aiah Lebbie stressed that the country needs more students to consider science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pathways if it is to strengthen innovation and address development challenges. He argued that discouraging attitudes toward mathematics and related subjects may be limiting the pool of future professionals in key industries.
Education stakeholders have long pointed to factors such as leakages in the WASSCE exams, malpractice, and lack of mentorship as possible reasons behind this problem.
He called for stronger guidance at the secondary school level, improved teaching support, and targeted encouragement for high-performing mathematics students to consider science-based university programs.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
