Sierra Leone Lecturers Suspend Strike After Vice President’s Intervention

The Union of Academic Staff Association (UASA) has suspended the strike by university lecturers in Sierra Leone with immediate effect after Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh intervened in the dispute and appealed for dialogue.

The decision followed consultations among UASA’s constituent associations, according to a statement signed by Secretary-General Abiodu Williams. The union said the suspension reflected its respect for the Vice President’s involvement and its commitment to resolving the dispute through engagement.

“Out of profound respect for the Honourable Vice President, UASA has decided to suspend the ongoing strike action with immediate effect,” the association said.

Strike had disrupted public universities

The industrial action began on 16 September 2026 amid demands for improved remuneration and the implementation of harmonized conditions of service. It disrupted academic activities at Sierra Leone’s public universities and raised concerns among students, parents, university administrators and other stakeholders.

The Vice President appealed to academic staff to halt the action and return to their professional responsibilities while awaiting a formally signed agreement from the Ministry of Finance.

UASA said, however, that the suspension should not be interpreted as a final settlement. The union maintained that outstanding matters must be addressed before a comprehensive agreement can be reached.

Union seeks details on salary agreement

Among the issues UASA wants formalized are the percentage increase in salaries and specific timelines for implementation. The association also requested that its representatives participate in calculating the financial implications of any salary adjustments.

UASA said it expects a joint meeting involving the Vice President, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. It also called on the Tertiary Education Commission to expedite approval of the Harmonized Conditions of Service and provide the approved document to the union’s leadership.

The association said it remained committed to constructive engagement and a peaceful resolution. No final agreement, salary percentage or implementation timetable had been confirmed in the information available on the suspension.