PSRU Launches Assessment to Strengthen Public Universities

The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) has commenced a Management and Functional Review (MFR) of public universities in Freetown as part of efforts to improve governance, efficiency and effectiveness within the higher education sector.

The entrance meetings, held on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), marked the beginning of a nationwide assessment aimed at identifying institutional strengths, addressing operational challenges and recommending reforms to enhance the delivery of quality higher education.

The sessions provided university authorities, academic staff and administrative personnel with an opportunity to understand the objectives, scope, methodology and expected outcomes of the review, while fostering collaboration between the institutions and the PSRU review team.

Speaking during the engagement, PSRU Chief of Programmes Albert Williams said the meetings were important in establishing effective communication and gaining the support of university stakeholders.

“The entrance meeting was to establish a line of communication between the review team and university stakeholders in order to solicit their support and buy-in,” Williams said.

He explained that the review forms part of the Government’s broader public sector reform efforts aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and improving the performance of public institutions.

Williams said the exercise would examine key areas including governance structures, leadership systems, human resource management, financial processes and operational effectiveness within public universities.

“The review supports the Government’s wider public sector reform agenda by promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening public institutions and improving the quality of higher education,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal of COMAHS, Professor James Russel, welcomed the initiative and assured the review team of the institution’s cooperation throughout the process.

“You are assured of our maximum support and cooperation throughout the review exercise,” Professor Russel said.

The Management and Functional Review will assess whether public universities have effective organisational structures, strong governance systems, adequate human resource capacity, sound financial management practices and alignment with national education priorities.

The exercise is expected to produce recommendations aimed at improving institutional efficiency, enhancing accountability, reducing duplication of functions, modernising university management systems and strengthening teaching, research and community engagement.

PSRU said the review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building stronger higher education institutions capable of contributing to national development and human capital growth.