The Government of Sierra Leone has declared the ongoing strike by academic staff in public universities unlawful and has directed all lecturers to return to work as universities are set to reopen on Monday, 12 October 2026.
The directive was contained in a press release issued today by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE).
According to the Ministry, the industrial action called by the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) violates the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act, 2024 and was declared at a time when salary negotiations were still ongoing.
The Ministry stated that while academic staff have a right to raise legitimate concerns, the current strike does not meet the legal requirements.
Why Government Says Strike is Illegal
MTHE gave two legal reasons:
First, Section 63(3) of the Act provides that a party to an industrial dispute shall not resort to a strike while negotiations are in progress. The Ministry said negotiations were ongoing when the strike commenced on 16 September 2026.
Second, Section 63(4) requires that any intention to strike must be channeled through the Secretary General of a registered trade union with a bargaining certificate. Government says UASA has not been issued such a certificate, and its registration as a corporate entity with the National Investment Board does not make it a trade union nor give it collective bargaining powers.
The Ministry also noted that the Universities Act of 2021 recognizes the Academic Staff Association (ASA) within university structures, but does not recognize UASA.
On Salary Demands
The press release detailed government spending on university staff, stating that since July 2019, government assumed responsibility for salaries and leave allowances and now finances approximately 83% of staff salaries in public tertiary institutions.
It said a total of 75% salary increase was agreed and paid in three installments, amounting to *87.5%* when compounded, and a further *15% increase* was approved effective April 2025.
The demand for an additional *100% salary increase* tabled by ASAs in June and July 2026, the Ministry said, was referred to the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) for assessment as required by law. The WCC submitted its report to the Ministry of Finance on 11 September 2026 — five days before the strike.
*Final Call*
Government says it remains open to dialogue to reach a fair, lawful and fiscally sustainable solution that protects lecturers and students.
But with public universities scheduled to reopen on Monday, all academic staff are expected to report for duty and resume teaching and other academic responsibilities.
