BONG COUNTY — Gbarnga Police deployed tear gas against students protesting the government’s cancellation of graduation and thanksgiving services for those who failed the WASSCE examination in Mathematics and English. The incident occurred on Sunday morning in Gbarnga, where outgoing senior students expressed their grievances.
The Ministry of Education announced late on September 28, 2024, that thanksgiving services were canceled, a decision that took many by surprise. The announcement, made through a radio appearance, noted that the event at Dolokelen Gboveh High School, originally scheduled for September 29, 2024, would not proceed, despite many parents having already traveled to attend.
Students noted that while their own celebrations were prohibited, other institutions, such as the Sumo Moye Memorial Institute High School—owned by Senator Prince K. Moye—were allowed to hold services and issue diplomas.
In contrast, only four students from the Alexandria A. Andrews Academy High School, also known as Triple “A” Academy, passed the WASSCE in Bong County this year.
The Ministry of Education (MOE), through the Bong County School System, issued a public statement clarifying its policy on graduation ceremonies. The policy strictly prohibits public thanksgiving ceremonies and graduation events for students who failed the WASSCE.
The Ministry emphasized that such actions violate the guidelines designed to uphold academic integrity and maintain the credibility of graduation processes. To qualify for graduation ceremonies, students must pass at least five subjects, including Mathematics and English, on the WASSCE.
While students who fail the WASSCE but pass at the school level will receive their academic credentials, including transcripts and diplomas, they are not permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies. Furthermore, the Ministry specifies that the official graduation attire should be the school uniform, though academic gowns are allowed if already owned by the school without additional fees.
In response to the violations, the MOE in Bong County has launched an investigation into the schools that conducted unauthorized ceremonies. The Ministry, underscoring its commitment to fairness, transparency, and integrity, urges students and schools dissatisfied with provisional WASSCE results to engage with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Liberia office as per established procedures.
This statement was signed by Silas Juaquellie, Secretary General of the Bong County School System, and approved by Armah N’debeh Varfee Sr., County Education Officer.
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