In a landmark move aimed at strengthening higher education governance in Sierra Leone, Parliament has repealed the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Act of 2001 and passed a more progressive and empowering legislation, the Tertiary Education Commission Act of 2025.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.
Credit- TEC Communications
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 20th June, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
