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The Investigation Committee set to investigate the alleged Financial, Administrative and Procurement irregularities at the University of Sierra Leone since June 2018 to 31st January, 2024 has commenced operations today, 14th June, 2024.
The purpose of this Committee is to investigate, document and report its findings to the University Court for consideration and decision.
The Committee comprises of nine (9) members who were selected base on proven credibility, professionalism, and competence. The Chairman of the Committee is Professor Mallam. O. Sankoh. Professor Sankoh, is a highly esteemed researcher and proven academic leader who has wealth of experience and insight in administration and financial management.
He was former Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University and had also served as the Statistician General and CEO Statistics Sierra Leone for five years.
The Term of Reference of the Committee is as follows:
The Committee shall review and make recommendations in respect of:
a) The Finance Director’s performance in ensuring that financial reports are prepared for auditing. Sections 24(2b), 24(2a) and 28(1, 2) of the Universities Act (2021);
b) The Registrar’s performance in ensuring the administration of the USL and the conduct of the administrative business of the USL other than that assigned to the Court. Sections 22(2) and 23(b) of the Universities Act (2021);
c) The Registrar’s application of human resource policies including but not limited to the renewal of contracts of staff members, advice and documentation on staff members’ retirement to inform payroll information.
d) The Registrar’s role in the circumstances that led to the dissolution of the former USL Court.
e) Refusal of both Registrar and Finance Director to handover and change signatories of bank accounts for the smooth operations of the University.
f) Procurement practices in compliance with the University Procurement Practice as mandated by the National Public Procurement Authority.
g) The execution of the roles and responsibilities of the Registrar under Section 22(2) of the Universities Act 2021;
h) Recommendations regarding the financial investigation of the financial statements for the years ending December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023.
i) Recommendations regarding the financial investigation of the financial statements for the USL Business Centre from its inception to 30 May 2024. j) Review all project documents and records to ascertain the use of project.
Overhead costs and related costs concerning economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
The Committee can invite persons of interest for information, explanation, or presentation during investigation. Everyone appearing before the Committee is presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the Committee.
The Committee maintains high level of confidentiality for any information divulge during the process of investigation.
