Freetown, 25th May 2025 – The Civil Rights Coalition (CRC) has called on Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education to step aside following damning findings by the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) into governance practices at the University of Sierra Leone (USL).
In a statement, the CRC said the ACC’s report, released on May 14, 2025, revealed troubling irregularities in administration, procurement, and financial management, alongside allegations of intimidation and harassment of senior university officials.
The Coalition noted that several officials were subjected to reputational damage, threats of dismissal, and public condemnation without being given a fair opportunity to respond. The ACC further observed that allegations of theft and financial misconduct against some officials could not be substantiated, yet those accused suffered “significant reputational harm, emotional distress, and professional uncertainty.”
CRC warned that such practices undermine natural justice, due process, and institutional autonomy, creating what it described as a “dangerous atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and political interference” within Sierra Leone’s premier higher education institution.
The CRC outlined five key actions: Minister to step aside pending impartial review of governance concerns. An independent committee of civil society, academia, legal experts, and governance professionals to investigate procedural abuse and interference. Restoration of reputations for officials unfairly targeted. Safeguards for due process in future disciplinary and investigative procedures and Parliamentary oversight to protect accountability and autonomy in the sector.
The Coalition emphasized that universities must remain spaces governed by fairness, evidence‑based decision‑making, and academic freedom. It warned against external interference that could erode credibility and independence in higher education.
