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An investigation into Milton Margai Technical University’s (MMTU) 2025 staff recruitment has uncovered widespread manipulation of interview scores, prompting calls for Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip John Kanu to step aside pending a full probe.
The special investigation committee found that several interview score sheets were altered after panels had submitted their recommendations. Candidates who had initially scored above the 60 per cent threshold were downgraded, while the words “Not Recommended” were added to documents, disqualifying applicants who had earned approval.
At least eleven applicants were affected, including Solomon Sidy Keddy and Christiana Njabu Foday. Panel members, Professors Abdullah Mansaray and Joe Pemagbi, told investigators that some scores attributed to them had been changed without their knowledge.
“As Vice-Chancellor, I accept ultimate accountability for the recruitment process. However, I am unable to identify who altered the scores,” Professor Kanu said during his testimony.
The committee criticised Professor Kanu’s leadership as autocratic, warning that it had fostered a “toxic university environment” where loyalty, rather than merit, dictated access and advancement. Investigators also highlighted a period of weak oversight between the outgoing University Court and the newly inaugurated court, during which key decisions were taken without proper scrutiny.
The Deputy Registrar for Human Resources, Mrs Khadiatu Juanah, was implicated for her involvement in all stages of recruitment. The committee noted her evasiveness and potential withholding of information that could have identified the culprits.
Other breaches included ignoring the Tertiary Education Commission’s recommendations on re-categorising former polytechnic lecturers and bypassing procedures under the Universities Act 2021 for appointing deans, allowing the Vice-Chancellor undue influence over the university senate.
The committee recommended: reinstatement of appointments approved by the former University Court; alignment of recruitment decisions with Tertiary Education Commission guidelines; sanctions against the Deputy Registrar; Professor Kanu stepping aside; and the establishment of a formal grievance mechanism to prevent future disputes.
“I was recommended by the panel, yet the altered scores denied me my rightful appointment. This undermines trust in the university,” said affected lecturer Prince Gevao.
The committee warned that unless decisive action is taken, the credibility and integrity of MMTU’s recruitment process will remain seriously compromised, with long-term consequences for the institution.
