WAEC’s Imbalance: The Key That Has Turned Many Into Unintentional Comedians

Author : George Ojuku Momoh

In the bustling streets of Sierra Leone, young people strive from an early age to make something of themselves. They take on their responsibilities, hustle for money, and hold tightly to their dreams—of traveling the world, building businesses, saving lives, and, above all, making their parents proud.

But lately, these dreams have been crushed by the very system meant to help them succeed.

“WAEC” the West African Examinations Council—is responsible for conducting national exams like NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE across West African states. But in Sierra Leone, it has increasingly become a stumbling block to students’ success and a source of national concern.

Since around 2008, WASSCE candidates in Sierra Leone have faced growing challenges, as highlighted in the 2009 audit report that reviewed school supervision and inspection. Over time, these challenges worsened, forcing many students to abandon their dreams and settle for paths they never envisioned.

Back then, the problems seemed manageable. Only a few were affected, and most casualties were addressed. But that was just the beginning of the “disease.”

Today, things have taken a darker turn.

2025 has recorded the most heartbreaking chapter in Sierra Leone’s WASSCE history.

A large number of qualified and deserving students were left out and denied the chance to take the exam, despite having met all the requirements.

One major issue is the now-undermined Basic Registration System (BRS),a system that, for years, served as a guarantee that once you were registered by WAEC, you could sit for the exams. But in this year’s WASSCE, BRS means nothing. Students who were once confident they would write the exam found themselves sidelined. Only a privileged few were allowed to proceed.

Why?

What exactly is WAEC doing?

The consequences are painful. Many students are now drifting into professions they never chose—especially in Sierra Leone, where comedy has become an unexpected fallback. For many rejected WASSCE candidates, it’s the only platform where their voices can be heard, even if it’s through laughter masking pain.

But if everyone becomes a comedian, who will become the doctors, lawyers, engineers, presidents, and ministers of tomorrow? These professions are the backbone of any thriving society.

If we want a better world, a brighter future, and a more stable country, we must act now. We must set new standards, create real opportunities, and prioritize investment in our educational systems,starting with making WAEC accountable.

School heads must be held responsible for transparent and fair enrollment processes. WAEC must ensure credible, inclusive exams. And students must also commit themselves to excellence.

Yes, comedy has opened doors for some. But even there, Sierra Leone is still shut out. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook do not monetize content creators in the country. So, the youth are making content,but not money. They are visible, but not valued.

Where is the hope for a great future if this continues?

We must act.

We must change.

We must demand better.

Only then can we begin to rebuild this nation and give the youth a future worth believing in.

May God make this nation great again. 🙏🏾

Written by: George Ojuku Momoh

@George the Invisible Writer