By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – In a powerful address at the 73rd Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. urged West African leaders, educators, and stakeholders to champion an inclusive, technology-driven education system that leaves no child behind.
Speaking at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Liberia, President Boakai welcomed regional guests and praised WAEC’s enduring legacy of over seven decades in standardizing examinations and promoting educational quality across West Africa.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Boakai quoted Nelson Mandela, emphasizing education’s role in national development and regional integration.
President Boakai made a passionate appeal for equity in education, calling on WAEC to adopt inclusive examination policies that support students with disabilities. “We must ensure that every child, regardless of circumstances, has access to the tools needed to succeed,” he stated. He recommended accommodations such as extra time, alternative formats, and accessible testing centers to empower all learners.
He also stressed the need for deeper investments in education—enhancing infrastructure, teacher training, and certification—and embracing digital learning to prepare students for the modern world. “Let us adapt our educational methods to integrate technology, fostering digital literacy among our students,” Boakai urged.
Recognizing the sacrifices of teachers, administrators, and parents, President Boakai called them “the backbones of our education systems” and encouraged students to strive for both academic excellence and strong character.
Closing his remarks, he reminded the audience that the future of West Africa depends on a collective commitment to inclusive, quality education. “Together, we can create a just society where every voice is heard and every dream is nurtured.”
The 73rd WAEC Anniversary marks not just a celebration of milestones but a renewed call for collaboration to build an education system that truly serves every child in West Africa.
