By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Newspaper
Bo, Sierra Leone, October 6, 2025 — As the fifth week of the national school term begins, parents and caregivers of students at Bo Government Secondary School are increasingly anxious about the ongoing closure of the institution. While schools across Sierra Leone reopened weeks ago, Bo School remains shuttered due to ongoing rehabilitation and construction work, leaving families frustrated and concerned about their children’s academic futures.
A parents and teachers meeting held on Saturday, October 4, at the Bo School campus drew a large crowd eager to discuss the delays. Participants highlighted the stark contrast between the stagnation at Bo School and the progress at other educational institutions nationwide. Principal Reverend Hassan Kainesie led attendees on a tour of the campus, showcasing the physical improvements underway and emphasizing the necessity of these upgrades for a safe and modern learning environment.
Despite visible progress, many parents voiced their concerns regarding the lost instructional time, particularly for students preparing for key examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). “Time is far spent,” lamented one parent, questioning the fate of these exam candidates as peer schools continue to advance through the syllabus.
The meeting featured an open dialogue, with parents offering numerous suggestions that were addressed by school authorities. A key highlight was the presence of contractor Albert Leigh from Hariss Construction and Engineering Services, who was invited by the school management committee to explain the delays.
Leigh assured attendees of his commitment to delivering high-quality, timely work, noting that the project is an international contract. He highlighted recent additions to the scope of work, including upgrades to electrical systems in dormitories, the installation of proper toilet facilities to replace outdated waste disposal methods, and the introduction of a new water system. These enhancements are timed to coincide with Bo School’s centennial celebration in 2026, aiming to revitalize the historic institution for future generations.
Board member Gassimu Mallah spoke on behalf of the Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA), commending the group for its unwavering financial and material support from members both locally and internationally.
However, challenges extend beyond Bo School. Similar neglect affects two other government boarding schools in the Bo District: Jimmy Government Secondary School in Jimmy Bargbor and Koyeima Government Secondary School in Valunya Chiefdom. Visits to these campuses revealed dire conditions, including dilapidated infrastructure, a lack of bedding for students, and insufficient food supplies for dormitories.
Contractors responsible for food provision have faced financial difficulties, with one anonymous supplier revealing in a telephone interview that they have accumulated debts to fulfill their obligations, yet payments from the Ministry of Finance remain outstanding. Without food, bedding, or clear timelines for resolution, these schools lack definite reopening dates, exacerbating educational inequalities.
This systemic neglect has contributed to the rise of private schools in Sierra Leone, as parents seek reliable alternatives to inconsistent government institutions.
Leigh appealed for patience from parents and the public, projecting project completion by December 2025. He reported that 85% of the work is completed, with teams operating around the clock to meet the deadline. “We are committed to handing over a brand-new Bo School that will stand the test of time,” he stated.
School authorities and community members are urging the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners to broaden their focus beyond Bo School, advocating for equitable improvements in education quality across all institutions. Elderly resident Ngor Joe Kallon called on alumni of neglected schools now in positions of governance to reconsider and give back to their alma maters without shame.
As the school calendar progresses, the unresolved delays underscore broader issues within Sierra Leone’s education sector, prompting calls for urgent intervention to prevent further setbacks for the nation’s youth.
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