By: Sahrfoa Matturie
Sierra Leone has achieved a historic milestone in basic education, as the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results reveal a record-breaking national pass rate of 91 percent, one of the highest in the country’s history. The achievement is widely seen as a testament to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative and his focused programs on girl-child empowerment.
The results were officially announced by Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, during a press briefing in Freetown on Wednesday. Minister Sackey highlighted that this remarkable performance reflects years of sustained investment in education, strengthened infrastructure, and the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality learning.
“This is a momentous occasion for Sierra Leone,” Minister Sackey stated. “The results underscore the effectiveness of the government’s education reforms and the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Bio. We have not only increased access to education but also empowered students, especially girls, to reach their full potential.”
Out of 129,838 candidates who sat the examination this year — comprising 62,788 males and 67,050 females from 1,984 schools nationwide — the top performers reflected the transformative impact of the government’s policies. Notably, ten out of the sixteen highest-ranking candidates were female students, a clear indicator of the growing success of initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in education.
Among the top achievers is Mariama Yelie Bangura of International Providence High School, who earned an exceptional aggregate score of 7, the best performance in the country. Her achievement has been celebrated as a symbol of the opportunities created through free quality education and the empowerment of girls in Sierra Leone.
Minister Sackey emphasized that these results are not just numbers but a reflection of collective commitment — the dedication of teachers, school leaders, parents, and students all contributing to the country’s educational advancement. “The remarkable results, especially among girls, show that investing in education and empowering young women is not only fair but essential for the nation’s future,” he noted.
He further praised President Bio for making girl-child education a national priority, highlighting how the Free Quality Education and empowerment programs have broken barriers, expanded access to learning materials, and provided financial and institutional support to families and schools across the country. These efforts, Minister Sackey explained, have created an environment where all students, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to excel.
The BECE, administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), serves as a critical certification of completion for junior secondary education and a prerequisite for admission into senior secondary schools. With the record-breaking performance, the government plans to deepen reforms, including further teacher training, improved school infrastructure, and modernized curricula to maintain and enhance the momentum of educational development.
Minister Sackey concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to education as a transformative tool for national development. “The outstanding results of 2025 are living proof that President Bio’s vision for an educated and empowered Sierra Leone is being realized,” he said. “Our students, particularly the girls, are now confidently taking their place as future leaders, innovators, and contributors to the country’s growth.”
This historic achievement in Sierra Leone’s educational landscape signals a new era where quality education and gender equality are central to national progress, laying the foundation for a brighter and more equitable future for all children.
