Financing the Future Why Sierra Leone’s Higher Education Must Escape the Trap of Underfunding and W

Sierra Leone has made progress in expanding access to basic education through the Free Quality School Education programme. However, universities and other higher education institutions continue to face serious financial and governance challenges.

Public universities and polytechnics struggle with limited funding, delayed government support and rising operational costs. These challenges contribute to overcrowded classrooms, outdated laboratories, poorly resourced libraries and limited research opportunities.

Recent investigations at the University of Sierra Leone have raised concerns about financial discrepancies, incomplete audit reports, procurement issues and weaknesses in oversight. Such problems can undermine public confidence in higher education institutions.

University leaders have also highlighted the difficulties caused by unpredictable funding. Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Aiah Lebbie has described the university as being stranded of resources, reflecting the pressure institutions face in meeting their responsibilities.