By Saidu Kargbo
Freetown, 15th May 2026- The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has announced that the cabinet has approved the standardization of Academic Calendar for accredited higher education institutions starting October 2026/2027 Academic Year. The Minister made this statement during the Government’s weekly press briefing, at Youyi Building, Freetown, on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026.
This policy, he said, is for the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, to enforce the calendar to ensure consistency across all institutions.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, has enforced the calendar so that all institutions are supposed to stick within the calendar,” he noted, adding that the new academic year will begin in October, noting also that all teachings and examinations must conclude by 31st July, 2026.
As part of the ongoing reforms at the Ministry, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, reiterated the government’s commitment to education reforms, stating that there are also plans to institute a JAMB-style Central Admission System inspired by Nigeria’s Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
“Sierra Leone is focused on strengthening policy coordination and improving institutional capacity within the Higher Education Sector,” he said during a policy meeting in Abuja.
This push is aimed at easing the burden on the country’s lone public examination body, the West African Examination Council (WAEC), while also contributing to the broader human capital development and giving options to students nationwide.
