The Ministry of Education and Sports has officially prohibited the public display of individual students’ national examination results, citing a breach of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.
In a circular dated May 5, 2025, addressed to heads of institutions and private school proprietors, Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagenda expressed concern over the continued practice of publishing candidates’ scores, result slips, and photos on billboards, social media, and other public platforms.
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“This practice violates the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019,” the circular stated, adding that during the recent release of the 2024 PLE, UCE, and UACE results, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports had already cautioned schools against such actions.
Turyagenda emphasized the ministry’s duty to uphold the privacy, dignity, and well-being of learners, noting that academic performance must be managed responsibly and within legal bounds. The ministry warned that publicly displaying results could subject learners to stress, anxiety, and possible discrimination—actions that are punishable under Part VIII, Section 36 (1–2) of the Act.
“All schools are directed to comply,” the circular stressed, urging institutions to stop using candidates’ results as a promotional tool. Instead, schools should showcase their overall educational impact—such as extracurricular programs, community involvement, and institutional milestones—without disclosing personal student data.
To ensure privacy, the ministry directed that results be shared directly with learners and their parents or guardians through sealed envelopes or secure digital channels. Results should not be posted on notice boards, social media, or any other public forums.
While general performance summaries may be shared, they must exclude students’ names or photos. The ministry also called on school leaders to educate staff, students, parents, and school governing bodies on the importance of confidentiality in handling exam results.
Private school headteachers, in particular, were urged to strictly enforce this directive. “Any school leader who disregards this guidance will face serious disciplinary consequences,” Turyagenda warned.
She concluded that the directive aims to reinforce the ministry’s legal stance, safeguard learners’ rights, and ensure that national examination results are communicated in a respectful and lawful manner.
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