The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a directive banning the public exhibition of individual students’ national examination results, citing violations of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.

In a circular dated May 5, 2025, addressed to heads of institutions and private school proprietors, the Ministry raised concern about the ongoing trend of publicly sharing students’ performance, including their scores, result slips, and photographs, via media platforms and billboards.

Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagenda emphasized that such practices breach the Data Protection and Privacy Act, specifically Part VIII, Section 36(1–2), which outlines penalties for disclosing personal data without consent.

She noted that during the release of the 2024 PLE, UCE, and UACE results, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports had already warned school administrators against publicizing candidates’ results.

According to the Ministry, publicly displaying examination outcomes can cause unnecessary emotional distress, anxiety, and possible stigmatization among learners. Schools were reminded of their responsibility to protect students’ dignity and privacy, and to manage academic information discreetly in compliance with legal requirements.

The circular instructed all educational institutions to avoid using students’ results for promotional or marketing purposes. Instead, they were encouraged to highlight broader aspects of the school experience, such as co-curricular achievements, community involvement, and developmental milestones.

Schools were also directed to share examination outcomes privately with students and their guardians through secure channels—such as sealed letters or protected digital systems—and not to post them on notice boards, social media, or other public forums.

Where necessary, schools may release an overall performance summary, provided it excludes names, photos, or other identifiable student information. The Ministry further advised institutions to educate staff, learners, parents, and school boards on the importance of confidentiality regarding academic results.

Heads of private schools were especially urged to implement the directive rigorously. Turyagenda warned that any school head found violating the guidance would face disciplinary action.

The circular was issued to reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to protecting student privacy and to offer clear direction on how to handle examination results responsibly and lawfully.