By: Saidu Jalloh
At Fourahbay College, Mount Aureol, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Professor A.M. Alghali, Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), addressed a Higher Education Town Hall meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Sierra Leone’s universities.
Professor Alghali stressed that inadequate financing hinders universities from fulfilling their mandates. “Frank discussions should be held on the area of fee structure to help our universities thrive and offer better services,” he noted.
Alghali condemned the misappropriation of funds, where monies allocated for specific projects are diverted elsewhere. “This is unacceptable and affects the sustainability of universities,” he stated.
To address these challenges, Alghali proposed several solutions. He recommended establishing endowment funds and seeking support from successful alumni. “Alumni should give back to their universities, especially those who have achieved success,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Alghali prioritized quality education over profit. “Universities should upgrade their courses to align with modern trends,” he advised. He cautioned institutions against merely collecting money, emphasizing their responsibility to provide quality services.
The TEC Chairman warned that his commission will take action against lecturers who fail to deliver adequate services. “Quality education comes with a cost,” Alghali stressed. “Students should be willing to pay more for better services.”
Alghali’s call for an overhaul is crucial for the sustainability of Sierra Leone’s universities, ensuring they provide quality education and remain relevant in today’s academic landscape.
