Lawyer Ady Macauley was scheduled to give a public lecture on the fight against corruption to Njala University students on November 25, 2024, but the university administration cancelled it.

The Bo Campus Student Union’s lecture on “Fighting Corruption – the Experience and Perspective of Ady Macauley” will no longer take place, according to the union.

In response to the cancellation, Lawyer Macauley expressed disappointment with the university administration. “But one thing is clear: our voices will no longer be silenced. “The fight against corruption is a national and patriotic duty, and I will continue to speak out against it; no amount of censorship will silence me,” he stated.

The former Anti-Corruption Commissioner went on to say, “While the University authorities say the cancellation is related to procedures, I am reliably informed that their action cannot be unconnected with politics. There are records to show that the Student Union followed procedure and gave the administration adequate notice and information about the proposed lecture.

Mr Macauley explained that the university authorities’ decision to interfere in the lawful and rightful affairs of students is ‘unfortunate’, and demonstrates how the country’s civic space has shrunk in recent years.

“Academic institutions are supposed to be safe spaces for the healthy exchange of intellectual ideas and hold important national conversations. They must not be politicised,” he said.

The university administration could not be reached for comment.