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The Civil Rights Coalition has called on Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, to step aside pending an impartial review into governance concerns at the University of Sierra Leone following findings contained in a report by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
In a statement issued by the Coalition, the CRC referenced an ACC report released on May 14, 2025, which allegedly uncovered irregularities in administration, procurement, and financial management practices at the University of Sierra Leone. The report also highlighted allegations relating to intimidation and harassment of senior university officials.
According to the CRC, several officials within the university were subjected to reputational damage, threats of dismissal, and public condemnation without being given what it described as a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
The Coalition further stated that the ACC found that allegations of theft and financial misconduct levelled against some university officials could not be substantiated. Despite this, the CRC noted that those accused suffered “significant reputational harm, emotional distress, and professional uncertainty.”
The Coalition warned that such actions undermine the principles of natural justice, due process, and institutional autonomy within the country’s higher education sector. It described the situation at the university as creating a “dangerous atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and political interference” at Sierra Leone’s premier higher education institution.
As part of its recommendations, the CRC called for the Minister of Technical and Higher Education to temporarily step aside while an independent review is conducted into the governance issues raised in the ACC report.
The Coalition also advocated for the establishment of an independent committee comprising representatives from civil society, academia, legal experts, and governance professionals to investigate allegations of procedural abuse and interference within the university system.
Additionally, the CRC called for the restoration of the reputations of officials it believes were unfairly targeted during the process, while urging authorities to implement safeguards that would ensure due process in future disciplinary and investigative proceedings.
The Coalition further appealed for parliamentary oversight to strengthen accountability and protect institutional autonomy in the higher education sector.
The CRC emphasized that universities should remain spaces governed by fairness, evidence-based decision-making, and academic freedom. It cautioned against external interference that could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of higher education institutions in Sierra Leone.
