FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Professor Aliyageen Mohamed Alghali has resigned as Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), citing what he described as sustained interference by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and a series of disputes that he said had undermined the Commission’s independence.
In a statement explaining his decision, Prof. Alghali said he could no longer continue in office after months of public controversy, including repeated press releases, media reports and his referral to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegations of “double dipping.”
He also alleged that forged documents had been used against him, his authority over the Commission’s bank accounts had been challenged through the refusal to recognise his signature, and disagreements had emerged over the allocation of official vehicles.
According to the outgoing chairman, the most troubling issue was what he described as the Ministry’s increasing assumption of responsibilities legally assigned to the Commission without consultation or collaboration.
“The Ministry’s undue interference had compromised the independence and authority of the Commission, leaving me with no option but to resign,” Prof. Alghali stated.
His resignation marks the latest development in a prolonged leadership crisis at the Tertiary Education Commission, which has been plagued by governance disputes, allegations of financial misconduct and disagreements between management and staff.
The controversy intensified in late 2025 when a group of TEC employees accused Prof. Alghali of financial impropriety, abuse of office and receiving salaries from both the Commission and Njala University—claims widely referred to as “double dipping.”
The allegations prompted an internal review by the Ministry and attracted the attention of the Anti-Corruption Commission.
However, following its investigation, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education announced that Prof. Alghali had been exonerated, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against him. The Ministry subsequently directed him to resume his duties while recommending a broader review of the Commission’s governance and operational systems. ([AYV News][2])
The Tertiary Education Commission, established under the Tertiary Education Commission Act, 2024, is mandated to regulate technical and higher education institutions, advise the Minister on tertiary education matters and ensure quality assurance across Sierra Leone’s higher education sector. The Act also provides for the appointment of an acting chairperson when the office of chairman becomes vacant through resignation or other circumstances.
Neither the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education nor the Anti-Corruption Commission had publicly responded to Prof. Alghali’s latest allegations at the time of publication.
His resignation is expected to renew debate over institutional independence, governance and oversight within Sierra Leone’s tertiary education system, as the government prepares to appoint new leadership for the Commission.
