Students across Sierra Leone were left stranded on the first day of the 2025/26 academic year as teachers staged a nationwide strike on Monday, disrupting the long-awaited school reopening.
The strike, led by the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union (SLTU), followed weeks of unresolved disputes with the government over unpaid salaries, subsidies, and nine formal complaints submitted by the union. Despite government assurances that funds had been transferred, the SLTU called on members to stay away from classrooms until all payments were reflected in teachers’ accounts.
Liberty Online TV reported from multiple regions, capturing the frustration of parents and students eager to start school. Stakeholders weighed in on the crisis during Liberty’s Breakfast Show.
SLTU President Ibrahim I. Kargbo admitted that the strike was a painful but necessary measure.
“We don’t like what we are doing, but we feel we have to sacrifice for the best,” he said, noting that partial payments were insufficient and warning that reopening schools prematurely could halt government disbursements.
Edward Y. Kamara, General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, criticized the government for negligence and disregard for employment law.
“Enough is enough. It is a shame for people to protest and challenge the government simply because those responsible failed to do the needful,” he said, while commending the Vice President’s efforts to mediate.
From Parliament, Hon. A.K.K., Opposition Whip, urged better salaries and accountability, asserting that systemic changes were needed to ensure the education sector functions effectively.
The government defended its actions. Anthony, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, described the strike as “genuine” but said delays were largely due to stretched resources, emergency expenditures, and bureaucratic processes with the Ministry of Finance.
“Free quality education is not a straight path. Certain emerging issues have made resources a challenge. But our priority remains making teachers happy,” he said, acknowledging that failure to deliver funds as promised risks eroding public trust.
The strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing Sierra Leone’s Free Quality Education program, which, despite expanding access, continues to struggle with funding and resource management. Students and parents remain caught in the crossfire, awaiting a resolution that will allow schools to reopen fully.
As of Tuesday, the timeline for the end of the strike remained uncertain, leaving the nation’s education system at a critical crossroads.
