Concern students from the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) have accused the Student Dean of the university of unlawful actions and gross violation.
According to the students, the Student Dean is violating the university policy and the Student Union Government (SUG) constitution.
In a letter address to Sierraloaded, concern students of EBK stated that after the dissolution of the 2023-2024 SUG leadership, the Dean of Students has taken sides with the Liberation Camp, sidelining the Redeemers Camp, a legitimate camp.
The students alleged that the former Secretary-General from the Liberation Camp, Mohamed Kargbo, with the full knowledge of the Dean of Students, issue certificates to all departmental heads, which they said is a clear attempt to manipulate the upcoming election, as the Dean of Students has already declared that only departmental heads will be allowed to vote.
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According to them, the above decision is a complete violation of the SUG constitution and the rights of students who have been paying their capitation fees, as the constitution states that every student who has paid their capitation fees has the right to vote and be voted for.
They said the Dean of Students is attempting to conduct an election without following the constitutional guidelines, thereby denying the general student body their democratic right to participate in electing their leaders.
“We, the Redeemers Camp, strongly believe that the actions of the Dean of Students are politically motivated and aimed at imposing leadership on students without their consent. It is also evident that the Dean of Students has introduced national politics into student politics, viewing the Redeemers Camp as the opposition, which is completely false and unacceptable,” the students said.
They made a clarion call to us and other media houses to raise awareness on what they described as injustice and to hold the administration accountable for their actions, adding that the students of EBKUST in Makeni deserve free, fair, and transparent elections where all students who have paid their capitation fees are allowed to vote and be voted for.
The students also listed some demands which include:
- The Dean of Students adhere strictly to the SUG constitution.
- All students who have paid their capitation fees be allowed to vote and contest in the election.
- An independent electoral body be set up to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming election.
- The rights of students are protected and respected at all times.