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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Sierra Leone has recently concluded a comprehensive systems and processes review at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) and presented its findings, implications, and recommendations.
The review, conducted by the Corruption Prevention Department of the ACC, aimed to identify corruption risks and propose measures to eliminate them, as mandated by the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008.
On July 12, 2023, the presentation of the report took place at the Milton Margai Great Hall, Goderich Campus in Freetown. The Director of the Prevention Department, Rashid Turay, expressed gratitude to the university’s management for their cooperation during the review process. Turay emphasized that while no corruption was detected, weaknesses in the governance and administrative structure surfaced.
The report addressed specific allegations raised by university staff, including illegal dismissal, nepotism, tribalism, siphoning of salaries, and sexual harassment. The ACC intervened to investigate the veracity of these allegations, and the review process revealed concerns primarily related to the governance structure and poor management of the institution.
During the presentation, Deputy Director of the Prevention Department, Samuel Marrah Esq., provided a summary of the findings. The ACC’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit’s Head, Ibrahim Kamara-Kay, encouraged the full participation of the university’s management in implementing the ACC’s recommendations. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the Integrity Management Committee to oversee the implementation process effectively.
Kamara-Kay advised the university to collaborate with other public offices facing similar recommendations. The implementation of these recommendations will be closely monitored, and the university’s performance will be graded accordingly.
Chancellor of MMTU, Dr. Victor E.A Kabia, expressed appreciation for the ACC’s review exercise and assured the Commission of the university’s unwavering support in the fight against corruption. He affirmed their commitment to reading the report thoroughly and implementing the recommendations, which are aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the institution.
Milton Margai Technical University, formerly a polytechnic institution, was upgraded to a university in 2021 by the government. With three campuses located in Congo Cross, Brookfields, and Goderich, the university is recognized as one of Sierra Leone’s esteemed higher learning institutions.
The ACC’s review and the subsequent implementation of its recommendations are expected to strengthen the systems and processes at Milton Margai Technical University, ensuring a more transparent and accountable environment for both staff and students.
