Tertiary Education Commission SL

In relation to the ongoing impasse at the Commission, staff members would like to make the following known!

Updated Registered Institutions

*TEC with Support from DAAD Launch the ASG-QA in Sierra Leone*

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) with support from DAAD has launched the Africa Standard and Guidelines on Quality Assurance (ASG-QA) in Sierra Leone
Emmanuel Thinka Kamara Manager Academic Audit and Institutional Affairs TEC started by expanding on the purpose of the ASG-QA which is to raise awareness and contextualise the ASG-QA as a continental framework for strengthening the quality and relevance of higher education in Sierra Leone and Africa at large.

He noted that the project is a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards a harmonised, credible and internationally recognised higher education system.

While delivering the keynote address Professor Edwin Momoh Chairman of the Council of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP) noted that in an era of increasing global competitiveness, rising tuition costs, and the use of artificial intelligence tools, higher education institutions should ensure that they deliver their promises of producing workforce ready graduates.

He furthered that Higher Education Institutions are faced with profound and multifaceted crisis that strikes at the very heart of academic integrity, institutional reputation, and societal development.

Professor Momoh shed light on the consequences of ‘Graduate illiterate’ phenomenon in which societies are filled with engineers who cannot engineer, doctors who cannot diagnose, and accountants who cannot manage finances.

He stressed that ensuring quality in the operations of HEIs is critical, as it provides a framework for students, graduates, and parents with crucial information to compare institutions and make informed decisions.

Statements were also delivered by the Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Chairman Parliamentary oversight committee on Tertiary Education, and student representatives.

The session was climaxed with launch of the ASG-QA materials and PowerPoint presentations

*For enquiries: contact TEC PRO
+23278796131*

*TEC Holds One-Day BMAPS Workshop*

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has taken a major step toward standardizing and improving the quality of higher education in Sierra Leone by convening a national validation workshop on the development of Benchmark Minimum Academic and Professional Standards (BMAPS).
Held at the United Methodist University (UMU) in Freetown, the one-day event brought together academics, policymakers, and professionals from across the country’s tertiary education landscape. The theme of the workshop was: “Institutionalizing Benchmark Minimum Academic and Professional Standards for Quality and Relevance in Higher Education.”
Delivering his address, Professor Aliyagen Mohamed Alghali, Chairman of TEC, described the validation of the BMAPS framework as a “crucial leap forward” in regulating and elevating the country’s higher education system.
“The TEC Act of 2025 mandates the Commission to regulate and accredit all academic programmes offered by tertiary institutions,” he said. “By using BMAPS as a gold standard for accreditation evaluations, institutions will now draw from a common baseline—adapted to their specific needs and identity thereby promoting parity of esteem among institutions and their graduates.”
Addressing Long-Standing Gaps
Professor Alghali revealed that the BMAPS initiative began with a Needs Assessment Survey in 2021, which exposed troubling gaps in curriculum quality, delivery methods, and graduate competencies. The findings, he said, highlighted a fragmented and inconsistent higher education system that limited the global recognition of Sierra Leonean qualifications.
“This development is a deliberate intervention to salvage and reverse the decline in academic standards,” he noted. “We must align with global best practices to ensure our graduates are competitive and not disadvantaged in the global job market.”
He explained that the BMAPS would form the foundation for a new accreditation and registration system for all higher education programmes. It will include:
• Standardized course structures and curriculum outlines;
• Minimum credit hours for graduation;
• Unified assessment practices;
• Clearly defined graduate attributes and competencies.
To this end, TEC has classified all academic programmes into seven core disciplines, including:
1. Education
2. Engineering and Technology
3. Medical and Allied Health Sciences
4. Information and Communication Technology
5. Pure and Applied Sciences
6. Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Animal Sciences
7. Social Sciences, Humanities, and Law
The BMAPS development process drew on lessons from Nigeria’s BMAPS model and was driven by consultations with subject-matter experts, professional bodies, and employers.
“Today’s workshop is not a mere formality,” Professor Alghali added. “It is a decisive moment to validate the foundational framework of BMAPS and ensure it reflects our collective vision for academic quality and national development.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to stakeholders, especially subject specialists and TEC staff, and announced that seven follow-up workshops will soon be held to finalize discipline-specific curricula.
Government Endorsement and Stakeholder Buy-In
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Josephus Brimah, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, praised the Commission’s efforts and affirmed government support for the initiative.
“Higher education is a cornerstone of national development and social progress,” said Dr. Brimah. “BMAPS will not only ensure academic consistency and excellence but also enhance the employability of graduates and global recognition of their qualifications.”
He further emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of tertiary education, noting that the Ministry remains committed to supporting TEC’s mission.
Looking Ahead
The validation of BMAPS is seen as a strategic investment in the country’s future, with far-reaching implications for education policy, accreditation, workforce readiness, and international academic mobility.
As Sierra Leone seeks to position itself as a hub of excellence in higher education within the West African sub-region, the BMAPS initiative could serve as a model for reform across other sectors.

*PARLIAMENT EMPOWERS TEC WITH NEW ACT*

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening higher education governance in Sierra Leone, Parliament has repealed the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Act of 2001 and passed a more progressive and empowering legislation, the Tertiary Education Commission Act of 2025.

The new Act follows over two decades of regulatory challenges that have hindered the effective functioning of the TEC. Initiated by the Commission and piloted by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, with backing from the Parliamentary Committee on Tertiary and Higher Education, the 2025 Act responds to the dynamic needs of the tertiary education sector and seeks to modernize oversight mechanisms in line with international best practices.

Over the years, TEC’s capacity to regulate institutions and ensure legal gaps in the 2001 Act significantly constrained quality standards. The key among these gaps was the absence of clear punitive measures and enforcement powers against non-compliant individuals and institutions. As a result, Sierra Leone witnessed a surge in unaccredited institutions and academic programs, undermining the credibility of its higher education system.

The 2025 Act addresses these long-standing deficiencies by introducing strict sanctions for violations. These punitive measures are meant to firstly serve as a deterrent to erring Individuals and Institutions. However, in the face of wanton defiance, they will be applied without favour.
Institutions found operating without proper accreditation, offering unauthorized programs, or awarding qualifications illegally now face hefty fines and possible license revocation. Individuals complicit in such acts are also liable for punishment under the new legal framework.

Additionally, the Act broadens the Commission’s regulatory powers. TEC is now authorized to validate and register all national and international qualifications, accredit online learning programs, and oversee the registration of all academic awards, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates to be used in Sierra Leone. It also grants the Commission authority to impose a range of penalties, from monetary fines and suspensions to the complete shutdown of non-compliant Institutions and their programs.

Another significant development in the 2025 Act is the institutionalization of a more inclusive governance structure of the Commission. The revised law incorporates stakeholder representation from various additional key institutions such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Conference of Principals of Community Technical Colleges, the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Council, and representatives from Public, Private, and Technical Universities. This widened participatory approach is designed to enhance the quality and relevance of policy decisions by ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.

Experts have welcomed the new Act as a bold step towards restoring confidence in Sierra Leone’s tertiary education system. It is expected that the enhanced regulatory framework will not only curb the spread of fraudulent institutions and awards but will also elevate academic and professional training standards across the Tertiary Education ecosystem in the country.

The passage of the TEC Act of 2025 marks a new trajectory and era in accountability, quality assurance, and strategic oversight in Sierra Leone’s higher education landscape.

For Enquiries

Contact TEC PRO

+23278796131

TEC & COL CONDUCT TWO-DAY LEARNER SUPPORT WORKSHOP

The Tertiary Education Commission, in Collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL), has conducted a two-day workshop on Learners' Support Processes and Guidelines for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at the Milton Margai Congo Cross Campus.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, Prof. Adolphus Johnson, applauded the management of the Tertiary Education Commission for organising the workshop. He expressed that the higher education sector in Sierra Leone is being advanced and modernized to be demand-driven.
The Professor outlined that if the right decisions are made, other errors in higher education will be addressed.
“It is like the chicken and the egg, we can start at any point, but if we are moving in the higher Education Sector, it will cascade right down to the informal sector,” he expressed.
In his statement, the Chairman of the TEC, Prof. Aliyagen Mohamed Alghali expressed that he is thrilled to see so many dedicated educators, administrators, and support staff gathered, all committed to enhancing the learning experience for students in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment.
He outlined that Open and Distance Learning has transformed the educational landscape, making learning more accessible and equitable to individuals in deprived hard to hard-to-reach areas, marginalized students, and from across the globe.
“With this accessibility comes the responsibility to ensure that our learners receive the support they need to succeed. This workshop will explore effective learner support processes and provide guidelines that can help institutions create a more inclusive and supportive environment for their students,” he pointed out
While representing the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr. Josephus Brima, showered praises on the Management of TEC and their respective stakeholders for promoting Open and Distance Learning.
Dr. Brima noted that education is moving towards ODL, and as a country that has been hit by two serious medical conditions (Ebola and COVID), the education system experienced a setback. He disclosed that the Minister and her team at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education are fully in support of the project.

For enquiries contact
TEC PRO
+23278-796-131

AT HIGHER EDUCATION TOWN HALL MEETING…TEC CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR OVERHAUL TO SUSTAIN UNIVERSITIES* *Fourahbay College, Mount Aureole, Thursday 26th September 2024* The Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission Professor A.M Alghali has called for an overhaul of Universities in the areas of fees structure and availability of facilities for them to be sustainable. Proff Alghali pointed out that lack of adequate financing is preventing universities from achieving their outlined mandates. “ frank discussions should be held on the area of fees structure to help our universities thrive and offer better services.” He expressed While responding to students that raised concerned on the area of paying other charges fees but they are diverted to other areas by the university for specific items, the TEC Chairman described it as a ‘misappropriation.’ He furthered that misappropriation is a situation were funds that were specifically allocated for project A are diverted to project B. Chairman Alghali emphasised that Insufficient finance and misappropriation are affecting the sustainability of universities. Professor Alghali encouraged universities to establish endowment funds which could be utilised as a means of support. “Alumni’s should be contacted to provide support to their universities especially those that are successful it will be a form of payback.” he emphasised He also noted that as a result of inadequate funding universities are producing poor students. “Universities are establishing programs that have problems with quality.” He stressed He encouraged students to pay more fees to get quality. Professor Alghali disclosed that TEC will come after lecturers that are not delivering adequate services to students. He admonished universities to endeavour to do upgrade on their courses. “Most of the courses offered these days are not in line with modern trends and universities should review their curriculum to meet modern trends.” he stated The Professor cautioned universities to be aware that they do not merely exist to collect monies but to provide quality services. *For enquiries contact* *TEC PRO* *+23278796131*
AT HIGHER EDUCATION TOWN HALL MEETING…TEC CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR OVERHAUL TO SUSTAIN UNIVERSITIES* *Fourahbay College, Mount Aureole, Thursday 26th September 2024* The Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission Professor A.M Alghali has called for an overhaul of Universities in the areas of fees structure and availability of facilities for them to be sustainable. Proff Alghali pointed out that lack of adequate financing is preventing universities from achieving their outlined mandates. “ frank discussions should be held on the area of fees structure to help our universities thrive and offer better services.” He expressed While responding to students that raised concerned on the area of paying other charges fees but they are diverted to other areas by the university for specific items, the TEC Chairman described it as a ‘misappropriation.’ He furthered that misappropriation is a situation were funds that were specifically allocated for project A are diverted to project B. Chairman Alghali emphasised that Insufficient finance and misappropriation are affecting the sustainability of universities. Professor Alghali encouraged universities to establish endowment funds which could be utilised as a means of support. “Alumni’s should be contacted to provide support to their universities especially those that are successful it will be a form of payback.” he emphasised He also noted that as a result of inadequate funding universities are producing poor students. “Universities are establishing programs that have problems with quality.” He stressed.
He encouraged students to pay more fees to get quality. Professor Alghali disclosed that TEC will come after lecturers that are not delivering adequate services to students. He admonished universities to endeavour to do upgrade on their courses. “Most of the courses offered these days are not in line with modern trends and universities should review their curriculum to meet modern trends.” he stated.
The Professor cautioned universities to be aware that they do not merely exist to collect monies but to provide quality services. *For enquiries contact* *TEC PRO* *+23278796131

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE FOR UNREGISTERED UNIVERSITIES 25 APRIL 2023

Workshops organised by the Tertiary Education Commission in collaboration with Commonwealth of Learning on Enhancement and Finanlization of ODL Policy for Sierra Leone

UPDATED LIST OF REGISTERED INSTITUTIONS WITH THE TERTIARY EDUCATION COMMISSION