The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has in a recent public notice disclosed a significant policy change regarding the payment of examination fees for repeaters of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to the statement, effective 2024, the Government will no longer cover the examination fees for repeat candidates.
The Ministry emphasized that this decision stems from the observed abuse of the initial concession, with school authorities allowing individuals aged 35-50 years to register for these exams.
The Ministry expressed dismay at this inconsiderate conduct, stating that it not only brought embarrassment to the Government but also had implications for the overall conduct of the exams.
The statement highlighted that the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Programme, launched in 2018 to enhance human capital development through accessible education, will continue to cover core costs such as school fee subsidies and examination fees for regular candidates. However, the exemption for repeater candidates has been revoked, with a notable exception for candidates with registered and verified disabilities.
Henceforth, repeater candidates wishing to sit for the WASSCE in 2024 and beyond are required to register for the Private WASSCE at their individual expense.
The Ministry urged school authorities to comply with this policy change, emphasizing that appropriate sanctions would be applied for non-compliance.
Brima Kebbie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, signed the notice on December 13, 2023.
