By Daily Scope Newspaper
A teacher at the National Pentecostal Secondary School (NPSS), Mr Abass Conteh, has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to academic excellence by dedicating two months of his salary to reward pupils who have distinguished themselves academically in Government and History of Sierra Leone.
The award ceremony, held on Wednesday, 28th October 2026, was organised as part of Mr Conteh’s efforts to recognise, encourage and motivate pupils who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in his subjects.
The initiative saw outstanding pupils receiving certificates and prizes in recognition of their hard work, dedication, discipline and impressive academic achievements. The competition, known as the Mr Abass Conteh Government and History Quiz Competition, was designed to promote intellectual development, strengthen pupils’ knowledge of governance and the history of Sierra Leone, and encourage healthy academic competition among learners.
Speaking on the purpose of the initiative, Mr Conteh explained that his decision to invest two months of his salary in rewarding outstanding pupils was driven by his passion for education and his desire to inspire learners to take their academic responsibilities seriously.
He further emphasised the importance of recognising pupils’ efforts, noting that rewarding academic excellence can serve as a powerful source of motivation, encourage healthy competition and inspire other pupils to work harder towards achieving their educational goals.
Speaking to Daily Scope Newspaper, the Principal of the NPSS Senior Secondary School, Rev. Mary S. Kamara, commended Mr Conteh for his remarkable gesture, describing it as an exceptional demonstration of commitment to teaching and learning.
Rev. Kamara further stated that this was the first time a teacher had taken such an initiative to publicly recognise and reward pupils through a personal financial contribution of this nature. She applauded Mr Conteh for going beyond his normal teaching responsibilities to make a meaningful investment in the academic development of his pupils.
Meanwhile, Zechariah I. Bangura, who emerged as the Overall Best Male Participant and one of the beneficiaries of the competition, expressed his appreciation for the recognition and rewards.
Bangura’s achievement reflects the spirit of dedication, hard work and academic determination that the competition seeks to promote among pupils.
Mr Conteh’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder that the role of a teacher extends beyond classroom instruction. It also highlights the importance of mentorship, encouragement and personal sacrifice in shaping the academic future of young people.
The gesture is expected to inspire other teachers, school administrators and stakeholders in the education sector to explore innovative ways of recognising academic excellence and motivating pupils to reach their full potential.
Indeed, investing in the recognition of academic excellence is an investment in the future of Sierra Leone.
