By Josephine sesay

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has identified law reform and digital tracking of learners as key measures in the Government’s efforts to tackle examination malpractice in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Sengeh said examination malpractice is a complex challenge that extends beyond learners, noting that teachers, parents and public officials can also be involved in practices that undermine the integrity of examinations.

According to the Chief Minister, the Government is therefore pursuing a broader approach to addressing the problem, beginning with reforms to the legal framework governing examinations and the institutionalisation of digital systems across the education sector.

“The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is starting with law reform and the institutionalization of digital systems that track learners right through our educational system,” Dr. Sengeh stated.

He explained that the digital tracking system is expected to strengthen the management of learners’ records and provide a more reliable way of monitoring students throughout their educational journey.

The move is also intended to improve accountability within the education system and make it more difficult for individuals to manipulate learners’ identities, records or examination processes.

Dr. Sengeh’s comments form part of the Government’s wider efforts to strengthen the credibility and integrity of Sierra Leone’s examination system. The country has previously introduced tougher measures against examination malpractice, including prosecution of offenders, disciplinary action against convicted teachers and the cancellation of results from examination centres implicated in malpractice.

The Government has also increasingly relied on digital technology as part of efforts to modernise education administration.

During his tenure as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr. Sengeh championed the use of technology and digital systems to improve education management and expand access to learning.

The proposed emphasis on law reform is expected to provide a stronger legal basis for dealing with examination malpractice, while digital systems could help education authorities maintain accurate and traceable records of learners from entry into the education system through completion.

The Chief Minister’s position suggests that tackling examination malpractice will require coordinated action from all stakeholders rather than focusing solely on students who are caught cheating.

Teachers, parents, school administrators, examination authorities and public officials are expected to play a role in protecting the integrity of examinations and ensuring that learners are assessed fairly.

The Government’s approach is ultimately aimed at strengthening public confidence in Sierra Leone’s education system by ensuring that examination results accurately reflect learners’ knowledge, abilities and academic performance.

With law reform and digital tracking placed at the centre of the strategy, authorities are expected to continue developing mechanisms that promote transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the education and examination process.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 24th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)