By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has called on the regional testing hob of West Africa – the West African Examination Council to ensure that students sit the regional examination to demonstrate their knowledge effectively as compared to others, by ensuring that the tools needed to succeed are provided.
“Every child, regardless of his or her circumstances, should have access to the tools needed to succeed. Yet, we know that students and individuals with disabilities often face significant barriers that hinder their ability to learn and demonstrate their knowledge effectively as compared to others.”
President Boakai urged WAEC to recognize the urgency and importance of creating inclusive examination policies and practices.
The President intimated that it is essential that the testing body design testing environments that are accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to showcase their skills and earn the qualifications they deserve.
Speaking Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the 73rd Anniversary of the West African Examinations Council and its General Conference held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, President Boakai charged education stakeholders to commit themselves to addressing the challenges that remain in the education sector.
“As we celebrate the achievements of WAEC and its contributions to education in West Africa, let us also commit ourselves to addressing the challenges that remain.”
The Liberian President urged influencers of the education sector to work together and undertake the commitment to ensure “Equitable Access to Education,” asserting that every child, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to quality education.
Amongst others, the President called for more Investment in Education, “Invest in Education to prioritize educational funding, infrastructure, and teacher training programs and the certification and licensing of teachers to enhance learning outcomes.
Embrace Technology: As we live in a digital age, let us adapt our educational methods to integrate technology, fostering digital literacy among our students.”
The Liberia leader continued by asserting that by implementing accommodations such as additional time, alternative formats, special care, and accessible testing locations, West Africa and Africa, in general, can break down the barriers that hinder students with disabilities. And foster an educational landscape where every learner is empowered and given the chance to shine; “even brighter than people expect them to shine”.
President Boakai further employed that an inclusive education system sends a powerful message that value diversity and his administration is committed to ensuring that every single citizen can contribute to the nation’s development.
The President, therefore, called on all stakeholders to work together to make the vision a reality.
And called on WAEC to collaborate with his administration to hear the voices of those who are often unseen, and to champion the rights of all learners for a truly equitable education system for the nation and region as well.
“Let us remember that the strength of our nation lies in our ability to uplift and empower every citizen, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let this 73rd Anniversary of WAEC ignite a renewed passion for education in our hearts.
Let us work collaboratively for a brighter future where every child in West Africa has the opportunity to succeed.”
The President asserted that together, Liberia can have the opportunity to forge a brighter future that is inclusive, equitable, and filled with promise for all.
He postulated that education is not only a pathway to knowledge but also an essential instrument of empowerment, economic growth, and social development. To echo the words of the late iconic South African Statesman, Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
