By Abdulai Fofanah
Freetown, 15th April 2026 — The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has formally directed to suspend, with immediate effect, all withdrawals, transfers, and outward financial transactions from any and all accounts held in the name of the Milton Margai Technical University within the University’s banking institutions, such as Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Rokel Commercial Bank, Union Trust Bank, etc.
According to the release dated 15th April 2026, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education noted that “the directive applies to all operational accounts, projects, and donor-funded accounts, any subsidiary or affiliated accounts held in the name of, or on behalf of, the university.”
This directive came following the interim suspension of Dr. Philip Kanu (Associate. Professor) from his position as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University by the Chancellor and Chairman of the Court of the University on 18th April 2026.
The directive is pursuant to the relevant provisions of the University’s Act, No. 5 of 2021, which vest oversight and policy supervision of public universities in the Ministry, and the inherent fiduciary and public accountability obligations over the management of public institutional funds.
According to the notice, the suspension shall remain in force until further written authorization is issued by the Ministry.
“This action is taken as a protective administrative and legal measure to preserve public funds, ensure compliance with statutory governance procedures, and to safeguard the financial integrity of the institution pending further review and directives,” as noted in the release.
The Ministry requested formal acknowledgement of receipt and confirmation of compliance without delay, mentioning that it would inform the Ministry whether any withdrawal was made after 8th April 2026.
