By James Tamba Lebbie
Freetown, 14th May 2025- The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has published the findings of its investigation into allegations of administrative, procurement, financial, and governance irregularities at the University of Sierra Leone (USL), with the report raising serious concerns about the treatment of some senior university officials.
Several senior members of staff were subjected to intimidation, harassment, reputational damage, and threats of dismissal based on allegations that the ACC says were either unsupported by evidence or had already been investigated by competent oversight institutions such as the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) and the ACC itself.
The report noted that some officials were not given adequate opportunity to fairly respond to allegations before actions were taken against them. It further questioned the fairness and procedural integrity of aspects of the university’s internal investigative process, citing concerns over due process, limited response time, and failure to fully consider previous audit and investigative findings.
The ACC concluded that several allegations against certain senior officials could not be substantiated after its own review. In particular, the Commission found no evidence of theft or financial misconduct in relation to financial transactions that had formed part of the controversy.
Observers say the publication of the report may reignite debate over governance and institutional autonomy within the university system, especially regarding the handling of disciplinary matters affecting senior academic and administrative personnel.
Meanwhile, some affected officials and their supporters argue that although the report has cleared them of wrongdoing, significant damage has already been done to their personal and professional reputations. They contend that public accusations, threats of dismissal, and negative publicity created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the university community.
The ACC has recommended that future investigations within the university must strictly follow due process, ensure fairness, and rely on evidence-based assessments. The Commission also warned against external interference that could undermine the autonomy and credibility of the university system.
The report further called for reforms in governance, research grant management, and administrative procedures at USL to strengthen transparency, accountability, and institutional stability.
