By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) has officially declared a nationwide strike action effective Monday, 8th September 2025, citing the government’s failure to address longstanding concerns affecting the education sector.
In a press release dated September 5, 2025, SLTU Secretary General Morris S. Conteh announced the decision following extensive consultative meetings involving key education stakeholders, including CPSS [Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools], NaCOHT [National Council of Head Teachers], CHTVI [Council of Heads of Technical and Vocational Institutions] and NSA. These meetings produced resolutions on critical issues that were previously presented to the government for action.
The Union referenced its earlier strike notice, suspended on 25th November 2024, which aimed to give the government ample time to resolve the concerns. However, with many of the issues still unresolved, SLTU stated it had no choice but to reactivate the strike.
An emergency meeting convened by the Vice President on 4th September 2025 addressed several pressing matters:
School Fees Subsidies: The government pledged to pay second and third term subsidies for the 2024/2025 academic year during the first week of September 2025. First term subsidies for the 2025/2026 school year are expected to be paid later in the term.
Payroll Reinstatement: Of the 4,662 teachers previously suspended from the payroll, 1,802 were promised reinstatement in August, along with payment of July salary arrears. However, many affected teachers reported that their salaries had not been deposited.
Teacher Recruitment and Reassessment: The process is ongoing nationwide, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Additional Grievances: Other unresolved issues outlined in the strike notice are to be addressed by a joint committee to be established by the Vice President.
SLTU also criticized a press release issued by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education on 4th September 2025, calling it “misleading and incorrect.”
The Union emphasized that the strike is not solely about salary increases but also about safeguarding the future of Sierra Leone’s children. Teachers across the country have been urged to remain at home until further notice from the Union.
“We look forward to government’s prompt intervention to avert disruption of the school year,” the statement concluded, reaffirming SLTU’s commitment to teacher solidarity and national development.