By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has announced that its ongoing industrial action remains in force, citing the government’s failure to present any offer on its demand for a 100 percent salary increase for lecturers.
The announcement follows a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) on October 23, 2026, at the COMAHS Secretariat Conference Room.
According to a press release issued by UASA on Friday, key officials of the ministry, including the Minister, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary and Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, were absent from the meeting. The ministry was instead represented by Mr. E. J. Momoh and a few other officials.
The meeting was attended by chancellors, vice-chancellors, registrars and finance directors from some public universities, as well as members of the UASA executive.
UASA disclosed that stakeholders agreed for the harmonized Conditions of Service documents to be forwarded to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for approval before implementation.
On the issue of salary disparities, representatives of MTHE reportedly pledged to work with finance directors of public universities to compile relevant data and initiate the process of addressing the matter.
However, the association noted that no proposal was presented regarding its demand for a 100 percent salary increase, which it described as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue. UASA also highlighted the absence of representatives from the Ministry of Finance at the meeting.
“As no offer has been presented by Government in relation to the demand by lecturers for a 100 percent increase in salary, the industrial action instituted by UASA remains in full force,” the association stated.
Despite maintaining its strike action, UASA reaffirmed its willingness to engage in what it described as sincere and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders aimed at resolving the impasse in the best interest of higher education in Sierra Leone.
The association also thanked parents, students and the general public for their understanding during the ongoing dispute.
UASA’s statement was signed by its Secretary-General, Abiodu Williams.