By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Teaching Service Commission (TSC), in partnership with the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), has issued an urgent and final call for all teachers suspended from the government payroll to report for re‑verification no later than Monday, 22 June 2026. Officials warn that failure to comply will result in permanent removal from the payroll.
Background
In July 2025, a nationwide verification exercise led to the suspension of 4,852 teachers. With union intervention, 3,475 teachers have since been re‑verified and reinstated. However, 1,381 teachers remain unverified and must present themselves at the TSC Headquarters in Freetown for the final re‑verification process.
Required Documentation
Suspended teachers are instructed to bring:
- Authorization letter from their Head of School
- Time book
- Valid certificates
- National ID/NASSIT card
Verification Oversight
The process will be conducted by the Payroll Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the Anti‑Corruption Commission, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, and other education stakeholders.
Authorities caution that any individual found impersonating or submitting fraudulent documents will be apprehended and prosecuted. The Union has made clear it will not defend offenders.
Union Position
The SLTU acknowledged that some suspended teachers have resigned, abandoned their posts, or passed away, stressing that such names must be removed from the payroll and replaced with qualified recruits. The Union expressed support for government efforts to clean the payroll, saying the exercise will open opportunities for more qualified teachers to be employed.
Signatories
The statement was signed by Sorie I. Turay, Secretary of the TSC, and Morris S. Conteh, Secretary General of the SLTU.