MPs Urge New Tertiary Education Commissioners to Address Declining Standards

Freetown, July 16, 2024 – In a fervent call to action, Members of Parliament in Sierra Leone have urged the newly approved Commissioners of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to tackle the declining standards of education in the country. This appeal came during the debate on presidential nominees, where MPs highlighted key issues such as the selling of grades, overcrowded learning environments, and discrepancies in educational content across universities.

Moyamba District MP Ben Alpha Mansaray spoke candidly about the need for honesty in addressing these critical issues. He pointed out alarming discrepancies in course content across various universities and criticized the widespread falsification of data and reports. Mansaray lamented the prevailing focus on material wealth over educational integrity, stating, “The problem we have is about a lot, and did not focus on building big houses or driving the latest car.” He emphasized the importance of establishing uniformity in course content across institutions and stressed that job applicants should be evaluated based on their knowledge and competencies rather than their university affiliations. He urged the new commissioners to elevate Sierra Leone’s education standards to match regional benchmarks.

Deputy Leader of Government Business Bashiru Silikie reminisced about the significant sacrifices made by lecturers during his university days and implored the TEC to revise the curriculum to meet globally competitive skills. He called for increased funding for the commission to effectively address its challenges and fulfill its mandate. Silikie emphasized the necessity of adapting the education system to produce graduates who can compete on the global stage.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Aaron Aruna Koroma highlighted the variations in course content and fee structures across universities. He urged the commissioners to standardize course offerings and fees, particularly in state institutions receiving government subventions. Koroma advocated for policies that promote intensive research within local universities and criticized the reliance on foreign nationals for consultancy and research work. He stressed that state institutions should not have different fee structures for the same courses, as this creates inequality and undermines the quality of education.

The Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, underscored the collective national responsibility in addressing the decline in educational standards. He reminisced about the colonial and early independence eras when Sierra Leone was a beacon of education in Africa and stressed the need to restore that esteemed status. Thomas called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to revitalize the education sector and ensure it aligns with global standards.

The newly approved commissioners – Professor Osman A. Sonkoh, Edna M. Jones, Dr. Lawrence S. Babawo, and Haja Alimatu Abdallah – are now tasked with the formidable challenge of revitalizing the education sector and ensuring its alignment with global standards. Their mandate includes addressing the key issues raised by MPs, such as standardizing educational content, improving the integrity of the education system, and enhancing the overall quality of tertiary education in Sierra Leone.

The parliamentary session concluded with a strong consensus on the need for immediate and effective action to address the declining standards of education. The MPs expressed their optimism that the new TEC commissioners will bring about the necessary reforms to restore Sierra Leone’s educational prestige and ensure that the country’s graduates are well-equipped to contribute to national development and compete in the global marketplace.