The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Edward Kparka and the  Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, have warned against alleged collusion between some parents and school administrators to inflate school fees under the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Scheme.
The officials raised the concern on Friday 28 August, 2026 during the 5th Annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship ceremony at Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown, where 350 Sierra Leonean children received educational support for the 2026 academic year.
The alleged practice, according to the officials, involves parents and some school authorities providing misleading or inflated fee information in an attempt to obtain more money from the scholarship programme, a conduct they described as dishonest and unacceptable.
Hon. Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma condemned the alleged manipulation, stressing that scholarship resources are intended to support children from disadvantaged families and should not be exploited for personal gain.
He called for those involved such practices to be identified, investigated and prosecuted, warning that corruption must not be allowed to undermine initiatives designed to improve children’s access to education.
Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma said the country could not effectively fight poverty and improve the lives of its citizens without investing in education. He therefore urged parents and school authorities to protect educational opportunities intended for children rather than manipulate them for financial benefit.
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra, also expressed disappointment over the alleged involvement of some school leaders in the practice.
Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra said the Ministry had received information and evidence concerning the alleged conduct and assured the gathering that the matter would be subjected to due diligence.
He disclosed that he would request a comprehensive report from the scholarship awarding body to enable the Ministry to take appropriate action against any malpractice established.
The education official warned that school authorities have a responsibility to uphold integrity and set a good example for children, stressing that corruption within the education system could undermine public confidence and deprive deserving pupils of opportunities.
Regional Police Commander, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, joined the condemnation, describing the scholarship as an investment not only in individual children but also in the future of Sierra Leone.
He said education, coupled with good character, could help young people overcome poverty and become responsible citizens, while reducing some of the social conditions that could contribute to crime.
The Regional Commander urged parents and school authorities to reject dishonest practices and ensure that the scholarship benefits are used for their intended purpose.
The warnings came as the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship continues to expand. The initiative, which began with 62 children in 2022, has increased to 350 beneficiaries in 2026.
Each beneficiary received full school fees for the academic year, a school bag, exercise books, stationery, lunch box and water bottle, as well as NLe500 towards the purchase of a school uniform and shoes. The overall scholarship package was valued at more than Le2 billion in old Leones.
The scale of the assistance has made transparency and accountability central to the administration of the scheme, with the officials urging parents, schools and beneficiaries to protect the integrity of the programme.
The concerns also highlight the importance of proper verification of school fees and beneficiary information to ensure that resources provided by the sponsors reach the children for whom they are intended.
The officials commended Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley and the Indian Diaspora for investing in the education of Sierra Leonean children, while stressing that such generosity must not be undermined by fraudulent or dishonest practices.
