Freetown, 2 November 2026 – The Executive Committee of the Senate of the University of Sierra Leone (USL) has revised its English Language admission requirements for most undergraduate programmes in response to the poor performance recorded in the subject in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The decision was taken at a meeting held on 2 November 2026.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Aiah Randolph Lebbie reaffirmed the University’s commitment to maintaining quality and academic standards while addressing the practical challenge posed by the results.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, only 9.77 per cent of candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in English Language, while 63.33 per cent failed the subject. Mathematics performance was stronger, with 62.15 per cent securing a credit or better. Overall, the examination recorded an 81.4 per cent paper pass rate, and 64.3 per cent of candidates whose results were released obtained at least five credits in one sitting. However, results for 47,454 candidates remain withheld pending investigations into suspected malpractice.
Previously, USL required a minimum of C6 in English Language for degree programmes (five credits overall) and for diploma and certificate courses. Following deliberations on four scenarios presented by the University Registrar, Senate resolved as follows:
– Fourah Bay College (FBC) and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM): A Credit (C6) in English Language will be accepted for all degree programmes.
– Diploma and Certificate programmes: A Pass (D7) in English Language will be accepted.
– College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS): Admission requirements for all programmes remain unchanged.
– Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at FBC: Admission requirements remain the same.
The adjustments apply specifically in the context of the 2026 WASSCE results and are intended to provide a pathway for qualified candidates while upholding standards in professional and medical programmes.
This move comes as other institutions also respond to the English Language shortfall. The University of Makeni (UNIMAK), for instance, has offered provisional admission to candidates with four or more credits in other subjects (excluding Law and Nursing programmes), stressing that the arrangement is a one-off measure for the current intake.
Prospective applicants are advised to check the official USL admissions portal (admissions.usl.edu.sl) for full programme-specific requirements and application deadlines for the 2026/2027 academic year. The portal remains open, with the final submission deadline currently listed as 30 November 2026.
The decision underscores the broader national concern over English Language proficiency, a core requirement for higher education and many professional careers in Sierra Leone. Education authorities have already signalled plans for emergency teacher training and other interventions to address foundational literacy challenges.
