FREETOWN – The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has formally ordered all academic staff and continuing students to return to their campuses on Monday, 12th October 2026, for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a notice issued by the Office of the Registrar, the University said the new academic year will commence as scheduled and all systems are in place for full resumption of academic work.
“All administrative and operational arrangements have been put in place for the full resumption of lectures, practicals, resit examinations and other essential academic activities,” the Registrar stated.
The notice was addressed to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Deputy Vice-Chancellors of Fourah Bay College (FBC), IPAM and COMAHS, Deputy Registrars, and both the Academic Staff Association (ASA) and the Students Union Government (SUG).
Direct Order To Staff
In a firm tone, the University reminded all academic staff of their contractual obligations and said they are expected to report for duty on Monday.
It also ordered Deputy Registrars at FBC, IPAM and COMAHS to start monitoring attendance and lecture delivery from Monday, ensure all outstanding grades are submitted without further delay, and to take action against any staff who fail to fulfil their duties according to the Conditions of Service and University Regulations.
Daily attendance returns and a list of defaulting lecturers must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
Students Told To Report
For students, the University said all continuing students should report to their respective campuses and be ready for lectures. Heads of Departments will publish new lecture timetables.
The notice comes as the Government, through the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with lecturers but also declared their ongoing strike unlawful and ordered a return to work.
Public universities have been closed for nearly four weeks since the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) declared a nationwide strike on 16th September over demands for a 100% salary increase and implementation of a revised conditions of service.
With USL now officially announcing resumption, all eyes will be on Monday to see whether lecture halls at Mount Aureol, Tower Hill and Kossoh Town will be full again.
