The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has released the findings of its investigation into a staff petition filed in September 2025 against the Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Prof. Aliyageen Mohamed Alghali.
The petition accused the Chairman of intimidation, mismanagement, misuse of office, poor oversight, and possible corruption. It also questioned whether he was unlawfully receiving two salaries — one as TEC Chairman and another as a pension from Njala University.
After reviewing documents, hearing from staff, and holding a meeting on 11th November 2025 that included TEC staff, Commissioners, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and Labour Ministry officials, the Ministry concluded that most of the allegations were not supported by evidence.
Governance and Oversight Issues Identified, But No Misconduct Established
The Ministry found that the TEC Act clearly separates the roles of the Chairman and Executive Secretary. Evidence showed that all financial and administrative requests came from the Executive Secretary and were forwarded to the Chairman only for approval.
It also found:
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The Chairman’s use of an official vehicle is normal and in line with how Commission Chairpersons operate.
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Financial requests were initiated by the Executive Secretary, showing lapses in oversight but not misconduct.
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A procurement request did not receive NPPA approval, but there was no evidence the Chairman acted under directives or misused authority.
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Wide systemic weaknesses exist within TEC, especially in governance, procurement, and financial management.
The Ministry recommended a Management and Functional Review to strengthen TEC’s systems and clarify institutional roles.
Accreditation and Leave Allowance Allegations Dismissed
The investigation also found:
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No evidence that the Chairman influenced accreditation decisions for personal interest.
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The monetized fuel rate was a Commission-wide policy.
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The claim about leave allowance falls under the Audit Service Sierra Leone and requires clarification from Njala University.
Ministry Directs Chairman to Resume Duties
Based on the findings, the Ministry stated that it saw no basis to remove the Chairman. He has been advised to resume his duties “in the interest of continuity and effective governance.”
The Ministry encouraged TEC staff to continue their work with professionalism and advised anyone with further concerns to report them to the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Prof. Alghali Responds: “I Am Being Unfairly Singled Out”
Following public debate about the Ministry’s report, Prof. Aliyageen Mohamed Alghali issued a public disclaimer addressing allegations that he was “double dipping” by receiving two salaries from the consolidated fund.
He explained that:
1. His pension is legitimate
Prof. Alghali retired from Njala University in 2009 and has legally received his pension since then. When government took over university salaries in 2019, his pension automatically began coming from the consolidated fund like all other pensioners.
2. His TEC remuneration is separate and lawful
He said his appointment as TEC Chairman in 2018 came with remuneration approved by Parliament and paid from the consolidated fund. This payment is legally distinct from his pension.
Prof. Alghali added that his predecessor, also a retired Vice-Chancellor, received both pension and remuneration for 16 years without controversy, and another former Commissioner did the same.
He quoted sections of the TEC Act 2001, which governed his appointment, stating that the Chairman is entitled to remuneration determined by the Minister and that such appointments are open to people not holding public office.
“The two payments have no correlation,” he said. “One is earned pension for past service, and the other is an allowance for current service.”
3. Claims of wrongdoing are unfair
Prof. Alghali said he believes he is being unfairly targeted and defamed despite acting within the law.
Government Says It Remains Committed to Strengthening TEC
The Ministry ended its statement by reaffirming its commitment to ensuring integrity and improving systems within the Tertiary Education Commission. It said it will continue to engage key authorities and stakeholders to support long-term solutions.
