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The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) on Monday, January 19, 2026, held a high-level engagement with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), focusing on key challenges affecting the country’s education system and the need for stronger collaboration.
According to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, the meeting was a “direct, honest, and crucially important dialogue” between the Ministry and the teachers’ union at what he described as a critical moment for education in Sierra Leone.
Minister Sackey said the engagement went beyond routine discussions, stressing that it was a necessary partnership conversation aimed at addressing issues that threaten the integrity and effectiveness of the education system. He noted that both sides approached the meeting with a shared sense of responsibility for the future of children and the protection of public trust.
During the discussions, the Ministry and the SLTU held frank exchanges on systemic challenges that, if not addressed, could undermine national education goals. Minister Sackey said the dialogue focused on safeguarding the integrity of education systems, ensuring the responsible use of public resources, and maintaining the quality and credibility of education for learners across the country.
He described the discussions as respectful and solution-oriented, adding that both parties demonstrated a clear understanding of what was at stake. “Our focus was squarely on solutions-on how we can work in lockstep to strengthen protocols, ensure transparency, and build a more resilient system,” the Minister stated.
Minister Sackey emphasized that the Sierra Leone Teachers Union remains an indispensable partner in education reform efforts, noting that the union’s frontline experience is critical to identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions.
The Minister further disclosed that the meeting marked a firm commitment from both the Ministry and the SLTU to move forward together in addressing key concerns, including the protection of examination processes, effective use of education funding, and the restoration of public confidence in the education sector.
“The work continues, but it is work we will do side-by-side,” Minister Sackey said, adding that both institutions are aligned in their goal to strengthen the education system for the benefit of all learners.
The engagement signals renewed cooperation between the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Sierra Leone Teachers Union as efforts continue to improve standards and accountability in the country’s education sector.
