Sierra Leone University Students Cry Out Against Soaring Tuition Fees

In a powerful statement, the Academic Radicals, a student activist group, has decried the relentless economic challenges faced by students in Sierra Leone’s public universities, calling attention to the disproportionate financial burden they bear.

The group highlights the stark reality that 90% of students struggle to make ends meet while pursuing their education, emphasizing the erosion of their well-being caused by the soaring cost of living. They lament that the fundamental right to education now feels like a privilege reserved for the financially fortunate.

The Academic Radicals point to the paradox of public university tuition fees rivaling those of private institutions, questioning the very distinction between these two types of institutions. They express frustration at the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding tuition fee hikes, particularly considering that those responsible for these decisions were once students themselves.

In a scathing rebuke of the university leadership, the group accuses them of being puppets controlled by corrupt politicians, devoid of empathy and understanding for the struggles of students. They question the character of those who could impose such financial hardships on their peers, wondering if they are guided by demons or by human compassion.

The Academic Radicals emphasize the role of public universities in providing an accessible and affordable alternative to private institutions, catering to individuals of average means. They question the legality and oversight of the annual tuition fee increases, expressing concern over the potential for an indefinite rise in university dropouts.

In a call to action, the group urges student unionism to unite and stand strong, even if it means risking their lives for justice. They conclude with a prayer for God’s blessings and a reaffirmation of their commitment to long live student unionism.

The Academic Radicals’ statement captures the frustration and desperation of many students in Sierra Leone’s public universities. Their words serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for accessible and affordable higher education for all, regardless of socioeconomic background.