Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 31, 2026 – The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has issued an urgent public notice declaring that a purported timetable for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) currently circulating on social media is entirely fake and unauthorised.
In an official press release dated May 30, 2026, the Ministry stated that no official BECE 2026 timetable has been finalised, approved, or issued. It warned students, parents, guardians, and school administrators to immediately disregard the document and refrain from sharing it.
“The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) hereby notifies all students, parents, guardians, and school administrators that a timetable purportedly representing the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), currently circulating on social media, is ENTIRELY FAKE, UNAUTHORISED, AND MUST BE DISREGARDED IMMEDIATELY,” the statement read.
The Ministry explained that the development of the official examination timetable is a formal process that requires close collaboration with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), rigorous technical review, and full institutional sign-off. None of these steps have been completed.
According to the release, the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Edward Kpakra, met with the Head of the National Office of WAEC on Thursday, May 29, 2026. While the BECE 2026 timetable was among the matters discussed, it has not yet been jointly developed or finalised between the Ministry and WAEC.
The Ministry urged the public to remain calm and for students to stay focused on their academic preparations. The official timetable, when ready, will only be released through the Ministry’s verified communication channels, including its official website, authenticated social media accounts, and formal notices to schools.
The statement further noted that the deliberate fabrication and dissemination of false official documents is a serious criminal offence. Appropriate authorities have been notified, and investigations are underway. Those found responsible may face prosecution under Sierra Leonean law.
This development comes as students across the country prepare for the important BECE examinations, highlighting the growing concern over misinformation on social media platforms regarding official academic matters. The Ministry has encouraged citizens to verify all official information through its established channels.
