On July 16, 2024, Members of Parliament in Sierra Leone called upon the newly approved Commissioners at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to address the declining standards of education in the country.

This appeal was made during the debate on presidential nominees, with MPs highlighting various factors contributing to the decline, including the selling of grades and overcrowded learning environments for students.

Moyamba District MP Ben Alpha Mansaray emphasized the need for honesty about the issue, noting the discrepancies in course content across universities and the falsification of data and reports. He criticized the focus on material wealth over educational integrity, stating, “The problem we have is about a lot, and did not focus on building big houses or driving the latest car.”

Mansaray stressed the importance of creating uniformity in course content and ensuring that job applicants are assessed based on their knowledge rather than their university affiliations. He pointed out that the country’s educational standards are falling, calling on the commissioners to elevate Sierra Leone’s education to match regional standards.

Deputy Leader of Government Business Bashiru Silikie reminisced about the sacrifices made by lecturers during his university days and urged the TEC to modify the curriculum to meet global competitive skills. He called for increased funding for the commission to address its challenges.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Aaron Aruna Koroma highlighted the variations in course contents and fee structures across universities. He urged the commissioners to create uniformity in course offerings and fees, noting that state institutions receiving government subventions should not have different fee structures for the same courses. Koroma also called for policies that promote intensive research within local universities, criticizing the reliance on foreign nationals for consultancy and research work.

The Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, emphasized that the decline in educational standards is a collective national responsibility. He recalled the colonial and early independence era when Sierra Leone was a hub for education in Africa and stressed the need to restore that status.

Professor Osman A. Sonkoh, Edna M. Jones, Dr. Lawrence S. Babawo, and Haja Alimatu Abdallah were approved as commissioners of the TEC, tasked with revitalizing the education sector and ensuring its alignment with global standards.