By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a strategic display of diplomacy and negotiation prowess, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has played a pivotal role in brokering an agreement that led to the suspension of a nationwide strike by the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union (SLTU). The resolution restores normalcy ahead of the commencement of the new academic year across the country.
The week-long industrial action, which began on September 8 and ended on Monday, September 14, 2025, had disrupted learning nationwide. The strike had strong backing from affiliate organizations, including the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (CPSS), the National Council of Head Teachers (NaCOHT), the Council of Heads of Technical and Vocational Institutions (CHTVI), and the Nursery Schools Association (NSA).
Chairing the government’s strategic engagements with the SLTU, Vice President Jalloh praised teachers for returning to the classroom. He emphasized that the government remains firmly committed to sustaining the Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
“Our government is committed to ensuring that the Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative continues to thrive, giving every child the opportunity to go to school,” Dr. Jalloh stated. “Improving teachers’ welfare will remain a top priority for President Bio’s administration.”
Extensive dialogue among key stakeholders including the SLTU, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) resulted in firm government commitments regarding school subsidies and payroll concerns for teachers.
According to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Ministry of Education, and other authorities, school fee subsidies for the second and third terms of the 2024/2025 academic year which had triggered the strike have now been disbursed. Outstanding cases are being addressed through district union structures.
On payroll issues, the MBSSE confirmed the reinstatement of 1,802 out of the 4,662 previously suspended teachers. Additionally, back payments for newly recruited teachers covering July and August 2025 have been completed. Another 325 teachers are scheduled to receive payments in September, pending ongoing verification processes for the remaining unverified staff.
To ensure continued transparency and accountability, a Joint Monitoring Committee has been established under the Office of the Vice President. The committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Education and Finance, the TSC, and the SLTU. Its mandate is to oversee the implementation of the agreement and ensure trust in the process.
SLTU President Ibrahim Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Vice President and the government for responding to the Union’s demands. He stated that the SLTU would continue to closely monitor the implementation of the agreements reached.
Meanwhile, SLTU Secretary General Morris S. Conteh extended appreciation to the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, and other supporting bodies for their crucial roles during the standoff.