Check Out CHRDI’s Updates on the University Court Dissolution Matter!

The High Court of Sierra Leone yesterday heard a case challenging the purported dissolution of the University Of Sierra Leone Court by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.

The case, initially filed in April 2024, pits the University and its officials against the Ministry and other parties, including Abdul M. Fatoma and the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI).

The University of Sierra Leone, a public institution governed by the Universities Act No. 5 of 2021, operates under the oversight of the University Court, which is responsible for the administration and management of the institution. This includes the appointment of key university officials such as the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellors.

Controversy arose in January 2024 when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education issued a letter stating that the Ministry had dissolved the University Court. The letter claimed that the decision was made in consultation with the Tertiary Education Commission and cited unspecified issues as the basis for the dissolution.

During yesterday’s hearing, the Solicitor General, representing the government, argued that no formal action had been taken to dissolve the University Court. He contended that a legal dissolution would require both Cabinet and Parliamentary approval, which had not occurred. The Solicitor General further requested that the case be dismissed with costs, asserting that the Ministry’s letter did not constitute a formal dissolution.

The legal team representing the University, led by lawyer L. Jenkins-Johnston, is set to respond when the case continues on November 5, 2024.