By Aliscious Kongo
On the eve of a nationwide strike planned by the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing long-standing grievances from teachers. The government says it is committed to ensuring that classrooms remain open while resolving issues of welfare, deployment, and resources.
According to the ministry, government has already paid SLE 82.5 million in outstanding subsidies, committed to recruiting more teachers—with 70% going to schools without PIN-coded staff—and set aside a quota for technical and vocational teachers.
From the 3,043 teacher reassessments approved in the 2025 budget, 1,000 will serve as acting principals and heads, while others will be deployed as vice principals, deputy heads, and classroom teachers. A joint committee reporting to the Vice President will also review funding formulas and improve budget allocations for teaching and learning materials.
The ministry further confirmed that 1,802 teachers have been reinstated, with discussions ongoing to reinstate other eligible suspended staff.
MBSSE assured that these actions reflect government’s commitment to teachers’ welfare and the Free Quality School Education programme, while urging teachers, parents, and stakeholders to remain patient as reforms unfold.
