Lecturers Suspend Strike Action

The Union of Academic Staff Association (UASA) has suspended its ongoing industrial action with immediate effect following the intervention of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh in the prolonged dispute between university lecturers and the Government of Sierra Leone.

The decision marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to restore normal academic activities across the country’s public universities after weeks of disruption caused by disagreements over salary adjustments and improved conditions of service for academic staff.

In an official press release issued on Friday, 6 November 2026, UASA expressed profound appreciation to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his personal intervention, describing his engagement as instrumental in creating an opportunity for renewed dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

The Union particularly acknowledged the Vice President’s appeal to academic staff to suspend their industrial action and return to their professional responsibilities while awaiting a formally signed agreement from the Ministry of Finance.

Following the appeal, UASA convened plenary meetings involving its constituent associations to deliberate on the proposal and determine the way forward. After extensive consultations, members agreed to suspend the strike with immediate effect, demonstrating their willingness to pursue a negotiated settlement.

In the statement signed by UASA Secretary-General, Abiodu Williams, the Union said its decision was largely influenced by the respect it holds for the Vice President and its appreciation of his commitment to resolving the impasse.

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

The strike, which commenced on 16 September 2026, was triggered by longstanding demands for improved remuneration and the implementation of harmonised conditions of service for academic staff. The industrial action raised concerns among students, parents, university administrators and other stakeholders over disruptions to lectures, academic assessments and university programmes.

Although the suspension represents an important step towards restoring industrial harmony, UASA has stressed that the decision does not amount to a final settlement of the dispute, as several outstanding issues remain unresolved.

The Union expressed its expectation that a joint meeting would be convened involving Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to formalise the commitments reached during the discussions.

UASA wants the proposed agreement to clearly state the percentage of the salary increase accepted by the parties and provide specific timelines for its implementation. According to the Union, these provisions are necessary to promote transparency, accountability and mutual understanding.

The association also called on the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to expedite the approval of the Harmonised Conditions of Service and make the approved document available to its leadership.

The Harmonised Conditions of Service remain a central component of the negotiations, as academic staff continue to advocate for a consistent framework governing their employment conditions, remuneration and professional welfare across public universities.

Furthermore, UASA requested that the Ministry of Finance involve its representatives in calculating the financial implications of the agreed salary adjustments. It maintained that such participation would enhance transparency, accuracy and confidence in the implementation process.

These demands underscore the fact that the suspension of the strike is an interim measure intended to create room for further negotiations rather than bring the industrial dispute to a definitive conclusion.

For students who have endured interruptions to lectures and other academic activities, the development offers renewed hope for a return to normal university operations. It also provides university administrators with an opportunity to address accumulated academic disruptions and work towards restoring stability across their institutions.

The Vice President’s intervention has therefore emerged as a critical development in the efforts to bridge the differences between the Government and university lecturers. His appeal for dialogue and restraint has created an opportunity for both parties to move away from prolonged industrial confrontation and concentrate on reaching an acceptable agreement.

UASA’s public expression of gratitude also reflects the importance the Union attaches to high-level engagement in resolving disputes affecting the country’s higher education sector.

However, the durability of the breakthrough will depend on the Government’s ability to address the outstanding demands, conclude negotiations and ensure the timely implementation of the commitments made to academic staff.

The Union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and a peaceful resolution that safeguards the interests of lecturers, students and the wider higher education sector.

With the strike now suspended, attention has shifted to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Tertiary Education Commission and other relevant institutions to translate the renewed dialogue into concrete agreements and lasting improvements in the welfare of university lecturers.

The latest development represents an important opportunity to rebuild confidence between the Government and academic staff, restore academic stability and strengthen the country’s higher education system.