A young computer science graduate from the rural Upper River Region has turned a long-held dream into a practical solution for thousands of West African students struggling to prepare for high-stakes examinations.
Mudasiru Jallow, born in Basse Santa Su, recently launched WAEC Wizard, an innovative mobile application designed to provide accessible, offline study tools for candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Jallow’s journey began at Koba Kunda Lower Basic School, where his curiosity and discipline stood out from an early age. He excelled through middle and high school in Nasir, serving as head boy at every level and earning the respect of peers and teachers alike. Growing up in rural communities, he witnessed firsthand the challenges students face due to limited access to quality learning materials and reliable internet.
That awareness stayed with him when he traveled to India to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at SRM University in Andhra Pradesh. While studying abroad, Jallow remained deeply connected to home and began developing technology-driven solutions to bridge the educational gap.
The result is WAEC Wizard – a fully offline mobile app built with accessibility in mind. Students can study anytime and anywhere, even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. The app currently offers over 3,500 multiple-choice questions, more than 400 theory questions, and an integrated scoring system to help users track their progress.
“The journey was not easy,” Jallow shared. “The app faced multiple rejections by Google before it could be accepted on the Play Store.” Despite the setbacks, he persisted, refining the platform until its successful launch in April 2026.
The initiative has received approval from The Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, positioning WAEC Wizard as more than just an app – it is now recognized as a tool of empowerment for students striving to succeed against the odds.
Jallow envisions a bright future for the project. He hopes to evolve WAEC Wizard into a broader global learning platform that will eventually support students not only in The Gambia but across Africa and beyond.
His story serves as an inspiring reminder of how determination, rooted in local realities and backed by technical expertise, can create meaningful impact in education.
