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An anonymous law student of Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, has raised concerns about recent fee enforcement measures within the Faculty of Law, describing the situation as distressing for affected students.
In a message addressed to Sierraloaded, the student, who is also a graduate of the institution, expressed concern over the current climate in the faculty following recent administrative changes. According to the student, while leadership transitions often introduce reforms, such measures should be implemented with sensitivity to students’ circumstances.
The student alleged that during recent lectures, a list of students who had completed their fee payments was publicly called out, and those who had not yet paid were asked to leave the classroom. With examinations currently ongoing, there are fears that similar measures could be enforced in examination halls.
The anonymous writer noted that many students face significant financial challenges, particularly given the prevailing economic conditions in Sierra Leone. Delayed tuition payments, the student argued, are not always due to negligence but may reflect genuine financial hardship faced by families.
While acknowledging the university’s right to enforce financial regulations, the student suggested alternative mechanisms that would maintain institutional accountability without causing public embarrassment. These include withholding transcripts, restricting course registration, or delaying graduation until outstanding balances are settled.
The student further stated that removing students from lectures or potentially from examination halls could cause psychological distress during a critical academic period.
Despite the concerns raised, the writer reaffirmed commitment to academic studies and to the institution, calling for the enforcement of financial policies to be carried out with fairness, humanity, and proportionality.
University authorities had not publicly responded to the concerns at the time of publication.
This is appalling and a complete misuse of administration. For the first time in my life, I’m witnessing this. Such should not be happening in a government institution. In no way will students graduate from the University without paying their fees in full. We as affected students are calling on the government and the Minister of Tertiary Education to intervene in this issue.
The authorities there is a possibility for them to see reasons and give the students some time to pay their fees the country is not in the good side of the economy