TEC Warns Tertiary Institutions Against Changing Admission Requirements Without Approval
Alex Fefegula Harding The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has directed tertiary institutions across Sierra Leone to review their admission policies, warning that unauthorised changes to entry requirements could attract regulatory sanctions.
In a press release dated Nov. 1, 2024, the Commission said it had observed cases in which some institutions lowered or altered prescribed admission requirements without obtaining the necessary regulatory clearance.
TEC said such practices undermine national academic standards and could allow students to enter higher education programmes without the academic foundation required to succeed.
The Commission emphasised that institutions must comply with minimum admission standards established under the TEC Regulations of 2006 and the applicable Benchmark Minimum Academic and Professional Standards (BMAPS).
While acknowledging the importance of expanding access to tertiary education, TEC maintained that institutions must not compromise educational quality in pursuit of increased enrolment.
The Commission said institutions seeking to accommodate applicants who do not initially meet standard entry requirements should consider approved alternatives, including foundation programmes, bridging courses, remedial classes and Recognition of Prior Learning, where applicable and authorised.
Under its latest directive, TEC has instructed tertiary institutions to maintain approved admission requirements, refrain from independently lowering or waiving entry standards, and obtain prior regulatory approval before introducing changes to their admission policies.
It also called on institutions already operating outside the prescribed requirements to review their practices and engage the Commission to regularise their positions.
TEC warned that it would intensify monitoring of admission practices and take appropriate regulatory action against institutions found violating established requirements.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and accessible tertiary education system while maintaining institutional accountability and protecting public confidence in the quality of higher education in Sierra Leone.
For further information, the Commission directed the public to contact its Public Relations Officer in Freetown.