AYV News, March 11, 2026
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education(MBSSE) in Sierra Leone has announced an immediate nationwide ban on all forms of “school camping” within school premises, citing serious concerns over professional misconduct and alleged extortion by some educators.
The directive, issued on March 6, 2026, applies to all registered government and private schools across Sierra Leone. It serves as a final warning to school proprietors, principals, head teachers, and administrators to immediately end the practice.
According to the Ministry, the decision follows a recent nationwide monitoring exercise and school survey that uncovered practices believed to be negatively affecting students’ academic development and undermining the integrity of the country’s education system.
The Ministry said it had received credible reports indicating that some teachers were failing to properly deliver lessons during regular school hours while encouraging students to attend paid “camping classes” organised within school compounds.
The investigation also revealed that in some instances, pupils were misled with false assurances regarding external examinations. Additionally, some students reportedly faced harassment or were deliberately failed for refusing to participate in the extra classes.
The Ministry described such actions as unethical, unprofessional, and unacceptable.
To address the situation, MBSSE has issued a set of strict directives to all schools. These include an immediate ban on all forms of school camping within school premises and a prohibition on schools organising such activities on their grounds.
The Ministry clarified that extra lessons aimed at supporting weaker pupils may still take place, but only outside the school compound in safe and properly supervised environments with adequate security measures.
It further emphasised that participation in such extra classes must be entirely voluntary and that school authorities must immediately stop any form of pressure or harassment directed at pupils or parents to attend these sessions.
The Ministry also announced plans to deploy inspection teams to schools across the country without prior notice to ensure compliance with the directive.
Authorities warned that schools found violating the new rules will face serious consequences, including official investigations, suspension or dismissal of staff involved, withdrawal of government recognition, possible closure of the institution, and legal action where necessary.
