Hue and cry on the fake degree saga r to have died down, and the euphoria on the investigation slowly fasting away as workers with the fake credentials still serve in their offices. The occupying public offices with fake papers go contrary to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACCs) recent order for them to resign within two weeks

The ACC is a public institution that prevents and investigates incidents of graft in Sierra Leone. Using fake papers to get a job in the public service constitute the offence of conferring an advantage according to the Anti-corruption Act of 2002.

The law seriously frowns at the act, and anyone found wanting would be meted with either pecuniary or custodial punishment. It was against this backdrop that ACC ordered all those with fake degrees to immediately resign from their Sex offices or face criminal investigation Although the order still remains in force those exposed have still not vacated offices despite evidence of counterfeit papers. As the unmerited workers still operate in public offices, many Sierra Leoneans have raised large eye-brows on government’s determination to investigate and punish those found culpable. A local civil society activist, Yusif Bangura told this press at the initial stage that those with fake degrees are mostly SLPP members who cannot be easily removed from their offices. Bangura made the accusation immediately the red flag about fake papers in government institutions was raised. He strongly believes that SLPP would hardly investigate their sons and daughters even if they commit the worst crime. The fake degree saga came up after a convocation ceremony was held in the most bizzare manner by Dominion Christian University where most graduates were ridiculed by a small boy who wore the regalia of a professor. The most ridiculous scenery was the fattest man who is an operations manager of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank who was reduced to a mere stooge while dressing him in borrowed robes by a toy boy. The unlucky and unworthy recipient of the fake paper should be the first to resign from his institution prior to the commencement of investigation. He might not know, but he ought to have known that the college the papers are not genuine. A document seen by this press has shown that Dominion University was warned never to go ahead with convocation as the college is fake. How they sneaked to hold a graduation under a mango tree is one of the biggest wonders of modern times.

After the graduation, key government officials have been identified and exposed as those holding fake degrees. The greatest embarrassment is their continued service to the nation even when they are not qualified. Little wonder that Sierra Leone is stagnated in almost every facet of development. Head of Petroleum Regulatory Agency’s name is among the list of fake degree holders still active in service. He is said to have held a degree from a fake university and now enjoying the privileges that accompany the fake papers. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt is also accused of holding fake degrees while she sits as minister. Head of Social Work Department in the faculty of Social Sciences and Law have also been implicated. The most towering figure among them is the Inspector-General of B Police, Ambrose Michael Sovula who got his doctorate degree from Dominion University itself knowing fully well that the institution is not permitted to operate in Sierra Leone. The college has not gone through the due processes and procedures of registration When the IG’s name came up, several questions also sprang up questioning his competence and vigilance in the protection of citizens from illegal acts. The general perception is that if all other government officials are trapped in an academic fraudulent scheme, the IG should not fall for the bait as the entire country relies on him for protection.

Via his Facebook page, the whistle blower, Dr Idris Lalai who sojourned in the diaspora explained how one can acquire fake academic credentials anywhere in the world. First is when a student gets an academic degree from an unrecognized academic institution. Second, the student registers in a recognized university but bribe their way through to get the papers.

For the third level, the student does not enrol at all, but buys the paper from the institution. Dr Lahai continues to assure Sierra Leoneans that he would not relent in exposing more Sierra Leoneans with fake degrees as no one dares intimidate him. At the initial stage of the exposure, press conferences were staged where authorities pledged to investigate and take immediate actions against all those in the illegal game.

Reading from communiqués during the conferences that were concurrently held at the Ministry of Information and Communication as well as the University of Sierra Leone, authorities nullified academic papers from Dominion and African Graduate Universities. The nullification has reduced the papers to mere rubble. Such papers should be used neither to secure a job nor enrol in any university for further studies. The move was one that convinced almost every Sierra Leonean that the authorities are ready for business. But, their snail-pace moves in bringing to justice those in possession of fake degrees is suspicion of complicity with rogue government officials. Apart from going after dishonest individuals, government also promised to investigate some unaccredited institutions operating in the country. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), a body that regulates tertiary institutions in Sierra Leone should take the lead role.

A TEC official had previously assured Sierra Leoneans that they would get to the bottom of the investigation irrespective of any stumbling block that stands the way. Some unaccredited institutions operating in the country would also be targeted for permanent closure.

Owing to the threats of relentless investigation, some public institutions became proactive as they ordered their workers to surrender their academic credentials to ascertain their authenticity. Parliament is among the list of first institutions that directed their workers to submit their papers for verification followed by Anti-Corruption Commission, National Revenue Authority and the University of Sierra Leone. With such action at the initial stage, hopes remain high that concrete actions would come out of these orders.

But, the burning issue is being swept under the carpet for a sinister cover-up while the country bleeds. Sierra Leoneans will be convinced of government’s pledge for academic hygiene only when tough action is taken against academic thieves