In a transformative decision aimed at enhancing the governance of higher education in Sierra Leone, Parliament has officially repealed the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Act of 2001, replacing it with the newly passed Tertiary Education Commission Act of 2025. This significant legislative change is designed to address over two decades of regulatory challenges that have hindered the effective functioning of the TEC and the quality of higher education in the country.
The new Act was initiated by the TEC and piloted by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, receiving crucial support from the Parliamentary Committee on Tertiary and Higher Education. It aims to modernize the oversight mechanisms of the tertiary education sector to align with international best practices, thereby responding to the evolving needs of institutions and students alike.
Historically, the TEC has struggled with limited capacity to enforce regulations and ensure compliance among educational institutions due to significant legal gaps in the 2001 Act. A major shortcoming was the lack of clear punitive measures and enforcement powers to address non-compliance. Consequently, Sierra Leone saw a troubling increase in unaccredited institutions and dubious academic programs, which severely undermined the credibility of its higher education system.
The Tertiary Education Commission Act of 2025 seeks to rectify these issues by introducing stringent sanctions for violations. These punitive measures are designed not only to deter misconduct among individuals and institutions but also to ensure that enforcement is applied rigorously in cases of blatant disregard for the law. Institutions operating without proper accreditation, offering unauthorized programs, or illegally awarding qualifications will now face substantial fines and the potential revocation of their licenses. Individuals complicit in such violations are also subject to penalties under the new legal framework.
Moreover, the Act significantly expands the regulatory powers of the TEC. The Commission is now empowered 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—intended for use within Sierra Leone. It now has the authority to impose a spectrum of penalties, ranging from monetary fines and temporary suspensions to the complete shutdown of non-compliant institutions and their programs.
Another noteworthy advancement in the 2025 Act is the establishment of a more inclusive governance structure for the Commission. The revised legislation includes stakeholder representation from 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, as well as representatives from public, private, and technical universities. This broadened participatory approach aims to enhance the quality and relevance of policy decisions by ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into the decision-making process.
Experts and stakeholders have lauded the new Act as a significant step toward restoring confidence in Sierra Leone’s tertiary education system. The enhanced regulatory framework is expected to not only curb the proliferation of fraudulent institutions and dubious qualifications but also to elevate the standards of academic and professional training across the entire tertiary education ecosystem in the country.
The enactment of the Tertiary Education Commission Act of 2025 signifies a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s commitment to accountability, quality assurance, and strategic oversight in higher education. This new legislative framework promises to usher in an era of improved educational standards and greater institutional integrity, ultimately benefiting students and the broader society.
