By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara (AKK), a vocal Member of Parliament (MP) for the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has called on the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government to significantly increase the “school subsidy” for primary and secondary education in the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year. The current subsidy of SLL 30 per pupil, Kamara argues, is no longer adequate in light of rising costs of learning materials, school maintenance, and other operational expenses.
In a public statement posted to his official Facebook handle on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Kamara urged the government to raise the subsidy to SLL 300 per pupil, an increase he views as necessary to ensure the success of the government’s Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative, which has become a central policy platform of President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
Kamara, known for his fearless and outspoken advocacy in Parliament, emphasized that inflation both in Sierra Leone and globally—has made the current subsidy insufficient to cover the growing financial demands of the education sector. He noted that this increase would not only alleviate financial burdens but also reinforce the government’s commitment to providing quality education to every Sierra Leonean child.
“This subsidy, as it stands, is too small to sustain the growing educational needs of the country,” Kamara argued. “Given the challenges posed by inflation, coupled with the government’s promises for Free Quality Education, it is crucial to ensure that the subsidy reflects the true cost of delivering education.”
Many educational stakeholders, including teachers’ unions and civil society groups, have echoed Kamara’s concerns. They argue that the current allocation is far below what is needed, especially as the government pushes forward with its Free Quality Education program, which has seen substantial public support in recent years. A key stakeholder within the education sector, who spoke to this reporter off the record, called Kamara’s call “timely and relevant,” emphasizing that the SLL 30 subsidy is insufficient for the ambitious goals of the government’s educational policies.
While some critics may dismiss Kamara’s call as politically motivated, others, including civil rights advocates, parents, and teachers, have supported the MP’s proposal. They argue that education should be prioritized as the government’s flagship project for human capital development.
As of now, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has not publicly responded to the call. The issue continues to spark debate across the country, especially since the Free Quality Education program was a central part of the SLPP’s election platform, drawing the support of thousands of students and parents.