By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has engaged key stakeholders in discussions on the implementation of a proposed Centralized Admissions System (CAS), a major reform initiative aimed at transforming higher education admissions across Sierra Leone.
The high-level stakeholder engagement, held on May 30, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, brought together university administrators, regulatory authorities, examination bodies, technology institutions and Government agencies to deliberate on the proposed system. The consultation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Government to establish a more transparent, efficient and equitable admissions process for students seeking entry into tertiary institutions nationwide.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, described the engagement as a significant milestone in modernizing higher education administration. He acknowledged that reforms often encounter resistance from those uncertain about change but stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and stakeholder engagement to address concerns. According to him, the Centralized Admissions System is intended to improve coordination and efficiency rather than diminish the roles of institutions and stakeholders.
Welcoming participants, the Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr. Josephus Brimah, described the consultation as a landmark event in Sierra Leone’s education reform journey. He expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their participation and extended special recognition to delegates from Nigeria for supporting the process.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, highlighted the challenges associated with the current decentralized admissions process. She explained that the short period between the release of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results and the commencement of academic programmes often creates inefficiencies for institutions and applicants alike.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie disclosed that under the proposed system, students would apply for university placement during their penultimate year of secondary school and receive conditional admission offers before sitting their final examinations. She explained that admissions would subsequently be finalized through an integrated digital platform linked directly to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results system.
The Minister further revealed that the initiative has already received Cabinet approval and is supported by provisions within the Universities Act of 2021. She emphasized that the system would cater not only to universities but also to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Acknowledging the support received from education authorities in Nigeria, she noted that Sierra Leone’s objective is not to replicate another country’s model but to adapt proven practices to suit local realities.
Also addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, stated that the proposed Centralized Admissions System is firmly grounded in the Universities Act of 2021. He announced plans for the establishment of a Centralized Admissions Secretariat within the Ministry to oversee implementation and administration of the system. He described the initiative as a key component of the Government’s Human Capital Development agenda under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, commended the initiative and described it as an important step toward promoting transparency, equity and accountability in admissions. He noted that the system would ensure that all applicants are assessed using the same criteria, thereby creating a fairer admissions process.
Chairman of the Conference of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh, expressed strong support for the reform, stating that it would address several longstanding challenges within the admissions process, including multiple applications, inconsistent admission criteria, communication delays and duplication of records.
Similarly, Chairman of the Conference of Principals, Peter J. Sandy, said the system would strengthen the credibility of admissions and help curb fraudulent examination results. He added that students in provincial communities stand to benefit significantly from the more streamlined and accessible process.
Representatives from key partner institutions also pledged their support for the initiative. WAEC’s Matilda Jusu assured stakeholders of the Council’s commitment to facilitating integration with examination results systems, while the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), represented by Prof. Osman Sankoh, confirmed that the regulatory framework aligns with the proposed reform.
The National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA), through Abdul Ben Foday, assured participants of adequate data security measures and nationwide connectivity to support the digital platform. The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), represented by Mohamed Massaquoi, highlighted plans to integrate the National Identification Number (NIN) into the admissions process to eliminate identity fraud and impersonation.
Nigeria’s Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, commended Sierra Leone for adopting an inclusive and consultative approach to the reform process. He pledged continued technical support and shared insights from Nigeria’s experience, noting that the country established its centralized admissions system in 1978.
The event also featured detailed presentations on Sierra Leone’s existing admissions procedures and Nigeria’s centralized admissions model, followed by an interactive plenary discussion facilitated by the Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq.
The engagement concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Sia Fasuluku, who expressed appreciation to participants for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working collaboratively toward the successful implementation of the Centralized Admissions System.
