Minister of Tertiary & Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie

The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has maintained its industrial action after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) ended without any proposal on the union’s demand for a 100 per cent salary increase.

In a press release dated 24 October 2026, UASA said the meeting was held on 23 October at the COMAHS Secretariat Conference Room.

The meeting was attended by representatives of MTHE, including E. J. Momoh, as well as some chancellors, vice-chancellors, registrars and finance directors of public universities, alongside the UASA Executive.

According to the union, it was agreed that the harmonised Conditions of Service documents would be forwarded to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for approval before implementation.

On the issue of salary disparities, MTHE representatives pledged to work with finance directors of public universities to compile the relevant data and initiate the process of addressing the matter.

However, UASA said no proposal was presented regarding its demand for a 100 per cent salary increase to begin negotiations. The Ministry of Finance was also absent from the meeting.

The union therefore confirmed that its industrial action remained in full force, stressing that the government had made no offer on the lecturers’ salary demand.

Despite maintaining the strike, UASA said it remained open to sincere and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders willing to resolve the impasse in the best interest of higher education in Sierra Leone.

The union also thanked parents, students and the general public for their understanding.