Freetown 9th November 2026– The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has suspended its ongoing strike action with immediate effect, following a plea from the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
In a press release issued on Friday, 6th November 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Abiodu Williams, UASA said the decision was taken “out of profound respect for the Honourable Vice President” after his timely mediation in the impasse between the union and Government.
UASA also thanked the Vice President and other stakeholders for their commitment and concerted efforts towards finding a lasting and amicable resolution to the issues at stake. Following the Vice President’s plea, UASA convened plenary meetings across its constituent associations to deliberate on the matter.
At the end of those plenaries, the general membership resolved to suspend the strike, but made clear that the suspension comes with conditions and expectations.
Key among the conditions, UASA says it looks forward to a joint meeting with the Vice President, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE). At that meeting, the parties must produce a written commitment to the agreement to be duly signed. That agreement, UASA insists, should clearly state the accepted percentage salary increase and the timelines for its implementation.
UASA has also asked the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to expedite the process of approving the Harmonized Conditions of Service, and for copies of the approved document to be shared with UASA. The body insists the Ministry of Finance should involve UASA in the computation of the figures relating to the agreed percentage salary increase, to ensure transparency, accuracy, and mutual understanding by all parties.
UASA says it remains committed to constructive engagement and to a peaceful resolution that serves the best interests of the higher education sector, students, and the nation at large.
The suspension brings immediate relief to thousands of students in universities and colleges across the country whose academic calendar had been disrupted by the industrial action.
For now, lectures are expected to resume, while attention turns to the promised joint meeting and whether Government will deliver a signed agreement with clear figures and clear dates. UASA has put the ball back in Government’s court: respect shown, strike suspended, but trust must now be sealed in writing.
