By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has warned universities, polytechnics and colleges across Sierra Leone against unilaterally lowering, varying or waiving approved admission requirements without prior regulatory approval, cautioning that such practices undermine academic standards and the credibility of the country’s higher education qualifications.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the Commission reminded all tertiary education institutions that minimum admission requirements are designed to safeguard academic standards, protect the integrity of tertiary qualifications and ensure that students entering higher education programmes have the necessary academic foundation to succeed.
While reaffirming its support for efforts to expand access to higher education, TEC stressed that widening opportunities must not come at the expense of academic quality and institutional accountability.
The Commission cited Section 5 of the TEC Regulations, 2006, and the applicable Benchmark Minimum Academic and Professional Standards (BMAPS), under which it is mandated to establish and enforce minimum admission requirements for tertiary education programmes across the country.
TEC disclosed that it had observed instances in which some institutions had lowered or varied prescribed admission requirements without obtaining the necessary regulatory clearance or approval.
“TEC considers such unilateral actions unacceptable. Institutional autonomy must be exercised within the framework of national laws, regulations and approved quality assurance standards,” the Commission stated.
Rather than lowering admission standards, TEC encouraged institutions to explore alternative approaches to widening access while maintaining academic quality. These include foundation and bridging programmes, remedial courses, Recognition of Prior Learning, where applicable and approved, and other admission pathways authorized by the Commission, supported by effective student support systems.
Consequently, TEC directed all tertiary education institutions to strictly comply with the minimum admission requirements prescribed by the Commission and the applicable BMAPS.
It further instructed institutions not to lower, vary or waive approved admission requirements without first obtaining regulatory clearance or approval from TEC. Institutions were also directed to review their existing admission policies and practices to ensure full compliance with national standards.
The Commission added that institutions already engaging in such practices must urgently review their policies and engage TEC to regularize their admission procedures.
TEC warned that it would intensify monitoring of admission practices and take appropriate regulatory action against institutions found violating established requirements.
“The Commission remains committed to an inclusive, accessible and credible tertiary education system that responds to Sierra Leone’s development needs. However, widening access must go hand in hand with academic excellence, institutional accountability and the preservation of national standards,” the statement added.
The Commission therefore called on all tertiary education institutions to uphold their regulatory obligations and protect public confidence in the quality and credibility of higher education in Sierra Leone.
For further information, TEC directed the public to contact its Public Relations Officer at its Freetown office on +232 78 796 131.
The warning comes amid growing concerns among education stakeholders over inconsistencies in admission practices across universities, polytechnics and colleges, and the need to ensure that students admitted into tertiary institutions meet nationally approved academic requirements.