Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has rejected a bulletproof jacket during his visit to Zebilla Senior High School in the Bawku enclave, where he monitored the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
On Monday, September 15, 2025, the majority of candidates were sitting for the Science paper—the final examination for most students.
During his visit, the Minister was offered a bulletproof jacket due to the heightened insecurity in the area resulting from the Bawku conflict.
However, he declined to wear it, stressing that such protective gear has no place in an academic environment.
“When I arrived at the home of the regional minister, I know what I’m coming to say will send some ripples somewhere. I was given a bulletproof jacket to wear. Did you hear that? When I arrived, I’m sure my bodyguard is wearing it somewhere. I was given a bulletproof jacket to wear. I declined to wear it, not because I don’t value or cherish my life, because I value yours too, but more importantly, it was to send a signal that bulletproof doesn’t belong to an academic learning environment,” Mr. Iddrisu said.
He added that even the visible presence of security forces on school premises undermines the conducive atmosphere needed for effective learning.
According to him, classrooms should symbolize safety, calm, and focus—not fear or militarization.
The Minister commended the resilience of the students, particularly those writing their final WASSCE paper, and assured them of President Mahama’s best wishes.
He encouraged them to look beyond the challenges in the area and focus on excelling in their examinations to secure a brighter future.
The visit formed part of Mr. Iddrisu’s broader monitoring exercise across schools in the conflict-affected enclave to assess the conduct of the final stages of WASSCE.
