Serious concerns have surfaced as university students were unexpectedly ousted from examination rooms, deprived of the opportunity to take their scheduled exams due to outstanding fee payments in a distressing turn of events.

Expressing frustration and disappointment, numerous affected students have voiced their grievances, highlighting the harsh reality of their situation. One student lamented, “Even students with government Student Loan Guarantees (SLGs) were turned away from exam halls unless they paid 50% of additional charges not covered by the SLG.”

Presidential Aide Myk Berewa denounced the actions, labeling them as counterproductive to the nation’s educational progress. Berewa emphasized, “During trying times like these, it’s simply ridiculous to hinder the strides we’re making in education by preventing our Sierra Leonean students from taking their exams due to financial constraints.”

Social media platforms have become a sounding board for discontent, with a Facebook user reporting that over 200 LLB 2 students were barred from taking the Legal Systems exam. The user underscored the severity of the situation, urging swift action from the Ministry of Higher Education to address the issue.

A victim of the ordeal shared their firsthand experience, revealing the anguish of being sidelined while peers proceeded with their examinations. “It’s truly disheartening to watch your colleagues write their exams while you’re sidelined over unpaid fees, especially when some of us hold SLGs but couldn’t cover the additional charges,” the student expressed.

Another student echoed the sentiment, recounting the emotional toll of witnessing fellow law department peers denied entry to exam halls. “Tears streamed down my face as I witnessed first-year law students being escorted out of the exam hall, denied the opportunity to sit for their exams due to financial constraints,” the student recounted.

As the outcry mounts, stakeholders are urged to address the issue promptly to ensure equitable access to education and uphold the academic rights of all students.