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Corruption Watch Sierra Leone has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission to launch an investigation into alleged corruption and illegal financial practices at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology.
The organization alleged that students at the university are being subjected to unlawful financial demands by some lecturers and Heads of Departments (HODs), with payments reportedly exceeding official university charges.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the National Coordinator of Corruption Watch Sierra Leone, Alhaji Abu Koroma, said the group has been monitoring activities within the institution and has received numerous complaints from students and parents concerning what he described as widespread illegal collections of money.
According to him, many students are facing increasing financial pressure as a result of alleged demands made by lecturers and departmental heads for assignments, practical work, research activities, and other academic processes.
Koroma further alleged that irregularities also exist during the university’s admissions process, claiming that concerns have been raised about how some procedures are handled by both staff and students.
He stated that the sale of modules and the collection of unauthorized fees for assignments and practicals are becoming increasingly alarming at the institution.
He also alleged that some Heads of Departments demand extra payments from students during postings for practical attachments, warning them that failure to comply could negatively affect their academic progress.
“The University is operating as if nobody is monitoring it, and examination malpractice is now common,” Koroma alleged.
He added that students are often reluctant to speak publicly because they fear intimidation and victimization by lecturers and departmental authorities. According to him, some students have allegedly been warned not to expose the practices to the public.
Koroma described the situation at the university as one in which lecturers are able to exploit vulnerable students without accountability. He claimed that students are frequently told by some lecturers that, “If you think education is expensive, then sit at home.”
The organization is now urging the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct what it described as an undercover investigation into the allegations in order to independently verify the claims being made by students and parents.
Corruption Watch Sierra Leone maintained that anyone seeking confirmation of the allegations should engage students directly and conduct independent interviews regarding their experiences at the university.
At the time of reporting, there was no official response from the management of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology or the Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the allegations raised by the organization.
