TEC Issues Stern Warning to Universities Over Honours Programmes
Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 11, 2025 — The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has issued a strong directive to universities across Sierra Leone, cautioning them against permitting repeat examinations for Honours Degree programmes.
The Commission says such practices undermine academic standards and threaten the credibility of the country’s higher education system.
In a formal letter addressed to Vice Chancellors and Principals, TEC emphasized that Honours programmes are intended to be academically demanding and merit-based, with progression and classification reliant on consistent academic excellence. It warned that allowing students to retake failed exams compromises the integrity of these qualifications.
“Re-sits or repeated examinations in Honours programmes diminish the academic rigour and devalue the quality of the qualification,” the letter stated.
TEC called on all higher education institutions to strictly follow established national and international best practices governing Honours programmes, particularly in the area of examinations.
The Commission stressed that validated curricula and national quality assurance guidelines must be upheld without exception.
The warning comes amid growing concerns that some universities have quietly adopted policies allowing students to retake failed papers in Honours programmes — a move TEC described as “diluting the value” of the qualification.
To address these concerns, the Commission announced plans to increase oversight and monitoring of academic institutions to ensure compliance. It also warned that institutions found in violation could face corrective measures.
“We trust you will treat this matter with the urgency it warrants and take immediate steps to align your institution’s practices with national standards,” the letter concluded.
The directive is seen as part of TEC’s broader effort to preserve academic integrity and enhance the reputation of Sierra Leone’s higher education sector.
