Freetown: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) held a high-level stakeholder engagement on the proposed Centralized Admissions System (CAS), bringing together university leaders, regulators, examination bodies, technology institutions, and government agencies at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown. The consultation is part of ongoing efforts to reform higher education admissions and establish a transparent, efficient, and equitable system for students nationwide.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo described the gathering as a critical step in modernizing higher education administration. He acknowledged that managing resistance to change remains a challenge, as some individuals may be skeptical of new initiatives. He emphasized addressing such perceptions through dialogue, assuring stakeholders the system is not meant to diminish their roles but to enhance coordination and efficiency.
Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer Dr. Josephus Brimah welcomed participants, calling the meeting a significant milestone. He extended special recognition to delegates from Nigeria and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to collaboration.
Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie noted that the current decentralized process creates inefficiencies due to the limited time between WASSCE results and academic programme start dates. Under the proposed model, students would apply during their penultimate year of secondary school, receive conditional offers before final exams, and gain admission through an integrated digital platform linked to WAEC's results system. She confirmed Cabinet approval and backing from the Universities Act of 2021, adding that the system will serve both universities and TVET institutions. Acknowledging support from Nigeria's education authorities, she stated: 'Our objective is not replication, but adaptation.'
Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara said the system is anchored in the Universities Act of 2021, with a Centralized Admissions Secretariat to be established within the Ministry. He described the reform as part of the Government's human capital development agenda under President Julius Maada Bio.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey called the initiative a major step toward transparency, equity, and accountability, ensuring all students are assessed by the same criteria. Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh, Chairman of the Conference of Vice-Chancellors, expressed strong support, noting CAS would address challenges such as multiple applications, inconsistent criteria, communication delays, and record duplication. Peter J. Sandy, Chairman of the Conference of Principals, said the system would strengthen credibility and curb fraudulent results, particularly benefiting provincial students.
WAEC's Matilda Jusu pledged the council's support, while TEC's Prof. Osman Sankoh confirmed regulatory alignment. NATCA's Abdul Ben Foday assured data security and nationwide connectivity. NCRA's Mohamed Massaquoi highlighted integrating the National Identification Number to eliminate identity fraud and impersonation.
Nigeria's JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, commended Sierra Leone's inclusive approach and pledged continued technical support, noting Nigeria established its centralized system in 1978.
The event featured presentations on current admissions processes and Nigeria's model, followed by a plenary discussion led by Director of Higher Education Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq. The gathering closed with a vote of thanks from Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer Sia Fasuluku.