FREETOWN, 6 June 2025 – Following widespread outrage at the naming and shaming of a 45‑year‑old woman studying for her WASSCE, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has voiced his strong support on social media.
In a moving post, he said he “deeply admires her courage, determination, and unwavering zeal for education” and urged her not to be deflated by the incident, insisting that “setbacks are often the stepping stones to greater achievements.”
Hon. Kargbo singled out the incident as an opportunity to inspire Sierra Leoneans of all ages.
He addressed older learners directly, stating, “Age should never be a barrier to personal growth, or the fulfillment of one’s dreams. Learning is a lifelong journey, and it is never too late to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills that can open new doors and transform your life.”
He continued, “Whether you are 40, 50, or even 70, your dreams are still valid. The classroom has no age limit, and your desire to grow should be celebrated, not ridiculed.”
Kargbo also called on society to uplift one another, “Let us create a society that uplifts and encourages people of all ages to pursue their aspirations… self‑improvement has no deadline. In the end, it’s never too late to live in your dream.”
The woman, identified only as Saminatu, resides in Juba, opposite the Services School gate, and works in the Outpatient Department at the Emergency Surgery Hospital.
The incident unfolded last week at UMC School in Goderich, Freetown, where the woman was discovered taking the government-sponsored WASSCE.
The Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Madam Mamusu Patricia Massaquoi, encountered her during an impromptu inspection. A video circulating online captures the Deputy Minister questioning the woman, who was dressed in a white uniform.
According to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists’ iVerify platform, the nurse’s removal from the exam was confirmed as a factual event.
In Sierra Leone, the government fully sponsors WASSCE registration for students enrolled in government or government-assisted schools. Those who are not in the formal school system typically sit for the Private WASSCE, which is self-funded. It remains unclear how the nurse became part of the government-sponsored exam.
