By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation, strengthening quality assurance, and improving oversight at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) as the Commission’s Secretariat officially resumes full operations.
A high-level delegation from the Ministry, led by Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, visited the TEC offices and engaged staff to assess the Commission’s readiness and discuss the next phase of reforms aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s tertiary education regulatory system.
The delegation included Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheik Kargbo, and other senior officials from the Ministry.
Addressing TEC staff during the engagement, Dr. Wurie reminded them that the Commission remains the statutory institution responsible for safeguarding standards and ensuring quality across tertiary education institutions in Sierra Leone. She acknowledged that TEC faces institutional challenges but described them as opportunities for improvement through teamwork, commitment, and strategic planning.
“Challenges need not define us; they become opportunities. Through focused and collective effort, we can strengthen the Commission and better serve the tertiary education sector,” Dr. Wurie stated.
The Minister urged TEC management and staff to develop clear short-, medium-, and long-term action plans that would guide the Commission’s transformation. She explained that immediate achievements should serve as a foundation for medium-term progress and contribute to the Commission’s long-term objectives. She further noted that the plans should be reviewed and approved by the Commissioner before implementation.
A key area of discussion was the modernization of TEC’s operations through digital technology. Dr. Wurie emphasized the need for the Commission to integrate its accreditation processes with the WanGov one-stop platform to improve efficiency, transparency, data management, and service delivery.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring that the public has access to reliable and up-to-date information on accredited institutions and programmes. According to her, TEC must regularly publish updated lists of accredited institutions while taking appropriate action against institutions that fail to comply with regulatory requirements under the revised TEC Act 2025.
The Minister further highlighted the need for TEC to maintain a functional and regularly updated website to improve communication, transparency, and public access to information. She assured the Commission of the Ministry’s support through its Communication, Technology and Innovation Unit to strengthen TEC’s digital systems and public engagement platforms.
Dr. Wurie also drew attention to recommendations from the Public Sector Reform Unit’s Management and Functional Review, noting that the Ministry is working with the Unit to obtain updated recommendations that will help strengthen TEC’s institutional capacity and statutory mandate.
She commended the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Aliyageen Alghali, for his leadership and dedication, while also recognizing the efforts of the Commissioners, Management, and staff for their commitment and progress made during the transition period.
Speaking during the engagement, MTHE Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheik Kargbo said direct interaction with TEC staff allows the Ministry’s leadership to gain a deeper understanding of the Commission’s operations beyond official reports.
He explained that such engagements are important in helping the Minister make informed decisions and identify practical solutions to challenges affecting the Commission’s ability to effectively deliver on its mandate.
TEC Administrative Manager Josephus Sawyer expressed appreciation to the Ministry for supporting the reopening of the Secretariat and enabling staff to return to work. He thanked the Ministry for its continued engagement and reaffirmed the commitment of TEC staff to advancing the Commission’s regulatory responsibilities.
Commissioner Professor Osman Sankoh described TEC staff as credible and dedicated professionals, praising their resilience throughout the transition period. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Stabilisation Committee in facilitating the reopening of the Secretariat through guidance, stakeholder engagement, and measures that supported a smooth transition.
With the Secretariat now fully operational, MTHE says the next phase will focus on implementing reforms through technology-driven solutions, stronger regulatory compliance, and renewed efforts to restore public confidence in the quality and credibility of tertiary education in Sierra Leone.