Freetown, September 15, 2025 – The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has called on pupils and parents across Sierra Leone to prepare for a full return to school following the resolution of the nationwide teachers’ strike.
“The recent industrial action by teachers has been amicably resolved,” the Ministry announced in a statement on Monday. “We recognize the anxiety caused by the disruption and wish to assure the public that Government remains fully committed to safeguarding the future of every child through uninterrupted learning.”
Education Minister Edward M. Kpakra praised the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) and its sub-associations—the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, National Council of Head Teachers, Council of Heads of Technical and Vocational Institutions, and the Nursery Schools Association—for “engaging in constructive dialogue that made this resolution possible.”
Special thanks were extended to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, whose “timely and decisive mediation between the Government, SLTU, and other education stakeholders paved the way for a mutual understanding to call off the strike.”
The Ministry also highlighted the role of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, saying his “leadership and unwavering commitment to education continue to inspire efforts to ensure every child in Sierra Leone has access to quality learning.”
According to the statement, the Government has already begun addressing teachers’ key demands:
* Payment of Subsidies: “The second and third term school fees subsidies for the 2024/2025 academic year have been disbursed, with the majority of schools nationwide confirming receipt,” the Ministry said, adding that outstanding cases are being verified.
* Payroll Reinstatements: Of 4,662 suspended teachers, 1,802 have been reinstated, with back payments for July and August processed and additional payments scheduled for September.
* Committees for Resolution: A high-level joint committee, including representatives from the Vice President’s office, MBSSE, Ministry of Finance, and SLTU, “has been set up to address all remaining issues,” the Ministry confirmed.
“We commend the patience and resilience of teachers, parents, and pupils during this period and emphasize that education is a collective responsibility,” the statement concluded. “We therefore call on all teachers to return to their classrooms immediately so that learning can continue without further delay.”
