Gov’t Pays WASSCE Fees for Over 53,000 Students Nationwide

Monrovia, Liberia: In a major boost to education accessibility and youth empowerment, the Government of Liberia has fully covered the WASSCE fees for 53,201 12th-grade students across the country, ensuring their eligibility to sit for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Head of WAEC Liberia, Mr. Dale G. Gbotoe, confirmed that preparations for the upcoming exams are now complete. The exams are set to officially begin on May 15, 2025.

Mr. Gbotoe emphasized that this year’s WASSCE will feature several new changes aimed at improving the exam process and student outcomes. One key adjustment is that students will be required to pass a minimum of four subjects to be considered successful. He also highlighted that each candidate will receive subjects specific to their respective schools.

“This is a new approach,” Gbotoe noted. “We are focusing on making the exams more streamlined and reflective of students’ academic strengths.”

He also provided an overview of the participating institutions. According to Mr. Gbotoe, a total of 1,048 senior high schools are registered for the exam. Of these, 1,045 schools are based in Liberia, while 3 schools are from the Republic of Guinea.

Breaking down the figures further, Mr. Gbotoe revealed that 856 schools are private institutions, accounting for 36,428 student candidates, while 192 are public high schools. The exams will be administered across 379 centers nationwide to accommodate the large number of students.

Mr. Gbotoe praised the Government of Liberia for its continued commitment to education, describing the payment of students’ WASSCE fees as a “bold investment in the nation’s future.” The gesture not only alleviates the financial burden on parents but also promotes equal access to education for students from all backgrounds.

“This initiative by the government ensures that no eligible student is left behind due to financial constraints. It is a strong signal that education remains a national priority,” he added.

As Liberia gears up for the exams, education stakeholders across the country have welcomed the government’s support and WAEC’s preparedness, expressing hope for a smooth and successful examination period.