The University of Sierra Leone has officially presented its investigation report on administrative, financial, and procurement irregularities to the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie. The report, from 2021 to 2023, was submitted during a formal event at the Minister’s Conference Room, New England Ville, Sababu Building.
In his remarks, the Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh, underscored the report's significance in identifying critical areas requiring intervention. He emphasised that appropriate legal actions would follow where necessary. Momoh also commended the investigative committee for its rigorous and impartial work, which received positive feedback from all stakeholders.
The Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, Paramount Chief Dr. Margaret Catherine Baio-Gbanie IV, officially handed over the report to the Ministry. She reaffirmed the University's historical mandate, which comprises Fourah Bay College, the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), operating under the University Act of 2021.
Dr Baio-Gbanie explained that on 15 May 2024, she received a directive from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to investigate allegations against the former Registrar and Finance Director, covering their tenure from June 2018 to 31 January 2024. This directive aligned with the fourth recommendation from the Tertiary Education Commission.
As a result, an eight-member investigative committee chaired by Professor Usman Sankoh was established in June 2024 and commenced work in July. The committee focused on five key areas:
Financial Management
Procurement Irregularities
Human Resources Mismanagement
Governance and Oversight
Research Grant Management
The Chancellor commended the committee’s diligence, stating that the findings were transparent and comprehensive. She stressed that implementing the committee’s recommendations would significantly strengthen governance and operational efficiency at the University.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, praised the investigative committee and Chancellor Baio-Gbanie for their leadership and commitment to institutional integrity. She highlighted Professor Sankoh’s credibility and expertise, noting that the evidence-based report provides a solid foundation for reforms.
Dr Wurie assured that the Ministry would fully support the implementation of the report’s recommendations, reinforcing the government’s stance on transparency and accountability. She emphasized that as a public institution, the University of Sierra Leone must uphold the highest governance and financial management standards.
She further disclosed that the report would be submitted to the Visitor, recognizing its national significance. Additionally, the Ministry intends to utilize the findings to enhance governance structures across all public universities in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education remains committed to restoring and strengthening governance within the University of Sierra Leone, ensuring accountability, and fostering an environment that promotes quality education and research.
Comments