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The Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, Paramount Chief Dr. Margaret Catherine Baio-Gbanie IV has presented an investigative report on administrative, financial, and procurement irregularities to Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education.
The submission took place during an official ceremony at the Minister’s Conference Room in New England Ville, Sababu Building.
The report, covering the years 2021 to 2023, follows a directive received by Dr. Baio-Gbanie on 15 May 2024, from the Ministry to investigate allegations involving the former Registrar and Finance Director, spanning their tenure from June 2018 until January 2024. This action aligns with the recommendations established by the Tertiary Education Commission.
During the event, Dr. Baio-Gbanie lauded the eight-member investigative committee, chaired by Professor Usman Sankoh, for its thorough work and dedication. The committee, which was formed in June 2024 and commenced its investigation in July, focused on five critical areas: Financial Management, Procurement Irregularities, Human Resources Mismanagement, Governance and Oversight, and Research Grant Management.
In her remarks, Dr. Baio-Gbanie emphasized the importance of the report in reinforcing the University’s governance and operational efficiency. She expressed confidence that implementing the committee’s recommendations would lead to substantial improvements and restore integrity within the institution.
Minister Dr. Wurie praised both the Chancellor and the investigative committee for their leadership and commitment to fostering institutional integrity. She recognized the credibility of Professor Sankoh and highlighted that the evidence-based nature of the report serves as a foundational step for necessary reforms within the University.
Assuring the Ministry’s backing for the report’s implementation, Dr. Wurie reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public institutions. She announced plans to submit the findings to the Visitor and leverage the insights to enhance governance across all public universities in Sierra Leone.
