Sierra Leone University Strike Continues as Academic Staff Demand Written Commitments By George Philip Jambawai

 Sierra Leone University Strike Continues as Academic Staff Demand Written Commitments

By George Philip Jambawai

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — October 14, 2026

The industrial action by academic staff at Sierra Leone’s public tertiary institutions remains unresolved, as university lecturers maintain their demands for a 100 per cent salary increase and approval of revised Conditions of Service, despite government appeals for them to return to work.

In separate statements issued on October 12 and 13, the Academic Staff Association of Njala University (ASA-NU) and the Academic Staff Association of the University of Sierra Leone (ASA-USL) reaffirmed their support for the strike, insisting that any decision to suspend it must follow meaningful progress in negotiations.

The dispute escalated on September 16, following the expiration of a 21-day strike notice. The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA), the umbrella body representing academic staff associations, has maintained that its principal demands are a 100 per cent salary increase and approval of the revised Conditions of Service.

At Njala University, a high-level engagement was held on September 25 at the Great Hall, Towama Campus, in Bo. The meeting brought together Chancellor Professor Sahr Moses Gevao, the Director of Higher Education, representatives of the Tertiary Education Commission, members of the University Court, deans and heads of departments. However, the engagement did not immediately resolve the dispute.

Government questions legality of strike

On October 9, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education declared the industrial action unlawful and called on lecturers to resume duties on October 12.

The ministry argued that negotiations were ongoing when the strike began and questioned whether UASA possessed the legal authority required to organise the action.

According to the ministry, previous salary adjustments amounted to a cumulative increase of approximately 87.5 per cent, while an additional 15 per cent adjustment for tertiary education staff took effect in April 2025.

The government also said the current salary proposal had been referred to the Wages and Compensation Commission for assessment, with the commission submitting its assessment of the financial implications to the Ministry of Finance on September 11.

UASA, however, maintains that the outstanding demands require a concrete and satisfactory response. The ministry’s declaration represents the government’s position on the strike’s legality and should not be interpreted as a final judicial ruling.

Njala staff demand written guarantees

On October 12, ASA-NU held a plenary meeting to consider the outcome of discussions between its leadership and the university’s Chancellor and senior administration.

In a press release signed by Secretary General Tejan Sesay, the association said the Chancellor had requested that the executive call off the strike and return to work that day.

The plenary, however, insisted that the executive must report back on its engagements before any decision is taken to suspend the action.

It also demanded written commitments from both the university administration and the government, with clear timelines for addressing UASA’s two principal demands.

The association further insisted that any agreement reached with the authorities must be documented in writing and be acceptable to all parties. The outcome of the meeting, it said, would be communicated to UASA for further action.

University of Sierra Leone association maintains strike

On October 13, ASA-USL reaffirmed its position following a general membership meeting at the Tunde Cole Building, Fourah Bay College, in Freetown.

The meeting involved representatives of Fourah Bay College, the Institute of Public Administration and Management, and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.

In a statement signed by President Desmond Songo-Davies, the association reaffirmed UASA’s role in negotiations and resolved to sustain the strike until the government fulfils its demands or provides written commitments addressing the proposed salary increase and revised Conditions of Service.

ASA-USL also insisted that any decision to suspend or call off the strike must involve consultation with and approval from its general membership plenary.

The association called on UASA to intensify engagement with the relevant authorities, while reiterating its commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Students face uncertainty

The continuing dispute raises concerns about disruptions to lectures, examinations and the academic calendar. At Njala University, postgraduate examinations were reportedly interrupted on the first day of the strike.

Students and parents now face uncertainty over when normal academic activities will resume and how institutions will address any lost teaching time.

As of October 14, the latest statements from both associations indicate that neither has agreed to suspend the industrial action.

While the government wants lecturers back in class and negotiations to continue, the associations insist that written commitments, clear timelines and membership consultation are essential to any decision to return to work.

The next challenge is whether the government, university authorities and UASA can translate continued dialogue into a credible agreement addressing staff welfare and the financial concerns of the state.

Until that gap is bridged, the industrial dispute remains a major challenge for Sierra Leone’s public tertiary education sector.