By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to constructive dialogue with the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) following the commencement of an indefinite strike by lecturers in public tertiary institutions across Sierra Leone.
The strike began on Wednesday, September 16, following the expiration of a 21-day notice issued by UASA on August 13. The union is demanding improved conditions of service, including a 100 percent salary increase for academic staff.
Despite the commencement of the industrial action, Minister Wurie said Government remains willing to engage with the union to find a fair and sustainable solution to the outstanding issues.
“The Ministry recognizes and respects the concerns raised by academic staff and appreciates their important contribution to higher education and to His Excellency the President’s Human Capital Development agenda,” she said.
The Minister expressed concern that the strike had commenced while discussions between the relevant parties were still ongoing.
She said UASA had engaged with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Conference of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), and the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) as part of efforts to address the concerns raised by academic staff.
Minister Wurie also highlighted previous Government interventions aimed at improving the welfare of lecturers.
According to her, academic staff received a 75 percent salary increase in 2021, which was implemented in three instalments and compounded to approximately 87 percent. She added that lecturers subsequently benefited from another 15 percent salary increase in 2025.
The Minister further disclosed that Government currently pays approximately 83 percent of lecturers’ salaries, including leave allowances, while ensuring that salaries are paid on time.
She said Government must balance demands for improved remuneration with the country’s current fiscal position and its ability to sustain additional financial commitments.
“Government must operate within the country’s fiscal realities and carefully consider what can be afforded and sustained,” Minister Wurie explained.
However, she stressed that the request for another salary review remains under consideration, saying Government has not closed the door to further discussions with UASA.
“The request for a further salary review is receiving consideration and Government remains committed to constructive dialogue rather than closing the door to engagement,” she said.
Minister Wurie also confirmed that her Ministry and other relevant authorities are expected to meet with UASA as part of renewed efforts to resolve the dispute.
The meeting is expected to allow both sides to further examine the outstanding concerns and explore possible solutions that address the welfare of lecturers while taking Government’s financial capacity into consideration.
The Minister called for mutual respect and good-faith engagement, stressing that the interests of lecturers, students and the wider higher education sector should remain central to the negotiations.
“Through mutual respect and good-faith dialogue, we can work towards a solution in the interests of academic staff, students, and the higher education sector as a whole,” she stated.
The indefinite strike has disrupted academic activities in public tertiary institutions and created uncertainty for students regarding the continuation of lectures and other academic programmes.
As Government and UASA continue their engagement, students, lecturers and other stakeholders will be closely watching developments, particularly efforts to resolve the dispute and restore normal academic activities.