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Minister of Technical and Higher Education Haja Ramatulai Wurie has called for continued dialogue with academic staff after lecturers across Sierra Leone’s public tertiary institutions began an indefinite strike over salaries and conditions of service.
Wurie expressed concern that the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) commenced industrial action while discussions with the government were still ongoing.
“The Ministry recognises 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 strike began September 16 after UASA’s 21-day notice to the government, issued August 13, expired without an agreement on the union’s demands.
UASA is seeking improved conditions of service and a 100% salary increase for academic staff. The union said it had engaged with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Conference of Vice Chancellors and Principals and the Wages and Compensation Commission but failed to reach a satisfactory resolution.
Wurie pointed to previous salary adjustments as part of the government’s response to academic staff concerns.
She said lecturers received a 75% salary increase in 2021, implemented in three instalments and compounded to approximately 87%, followed by an additional 15% increase in 2025.
The minister also said the government currently covers about 83% of lecturers’ salaries, including leave allowances, and has ensured that salaries are paid on time.
“Government must operate within the country’s fiscal realities and carefully consider what can be afforded and sustained,” she explained. “The request for a further salary review is receiving consideration, and Government remains committed to constructive dialogue rather than closing the door to engagement.”
Wurie said her ministry and other relevant authorities would meet with UASA on Sept. 17 in an effort to resolve the dispute.
“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 said.
The indefinite strike has left thousands of students uncertain about the continuation of classes at public tertiary institutions as negotiations between the government and academic staff continue.