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In a recent social media post, the popular whistleblower Dr. John Idriss Lahai, who also exposed the formalities behind Dominion University, refuted claims that the University of Sierra Leone (USL) is ranked 23rd in Africa. (drtroublesauce.co.uk) According to Dr. Lahai, this assertion circulating on social media is a blatant lie.
In order to clarify his claim, Dr. Lahai provided some points to support his argument. He stated, “To clarify: the USL is not ranked 23rd in Africa (the continent) as a whole. They are ranked 23rd within the subcontinent — sub-Saharan Africa (a subcontinent of 46 countries). Sub-Saharan Africa is a subcontinent of 46 countries. There are 55 countries in Africa (if we count Western Sahara OR Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; a country that is recognized by the African Union but not the folks over at the UN).”
Furthermore, Dr. Lahai criticized the Times Higher Education, which published the list of best universities, by pointing out inaccuracies in their historical record. He clarified that the University of Sierra Leone attained university status in the 1970s when it ceased being an affiliate of Durham University. Before that, most USL degrees, up until December 1970, were awarded in conjunction with Durham University in England. He highlighted that prominent figures, including former Vice President Victor Foh and others, were awarded Durham University degrees, not degrees from USL.
Expressing his dismay at the publisher’s ranking, Dr. Lahai mentioned that he sent an email to the Times Higher Education Board seeking an explanation for their conclusion that the University of Sierra Leone ranks 23rd in sub-Saharan Africa. He expressed skepticism about this ranking, citing issues such as inadequate funding, a lack of patented products, limited publications from lecturers, weak scholarly outputs from the few who publish, and mismanagement of the university’s administration. He firmly believes that these factors do not warrant such a high ranking.
In conclusion, Dr. John Idriss Lahai shared links to his claims, encouraging his audience to learn more about the statements he made. His passionate advocacy for transparency and accuracy in university rankings has sparked discussions about the validity of such rankings in the academic community.
“Here is the link to their erroneous claim that USL gained university status in 2005.
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-sierra-leone
Here is the link to their sub-Saharan Africa ranking (the ranking for 46 countries) and for USL (the first western styled university in British Africa (founded in 1825)) to rank 23rd (as a country) in Africa is a disgrace.
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-sierra-leone
He is correct in clarifying that it’s actually sub-Saharan Africa. However, he’s being a bit more unpatriotic in criticizing the ranking of USL and only bringing out some few challenges of the university whiles not appreciating anything they’ve accomplished which I believe is very wrong. Times Higher Education is a very credible institution who has been ranking universities all over the world over the years, they conduct a proper research on universities and they have key indexes and factors they look at. It so sad how some people don’t want anything good mentioned about their country.
When someone says the truth you class him unpatriotic. Why the society has derailed in such that truth isn’t an option. The most unpatriotic people are those who are heading those public institutions that are doing more harm than good
Thanks Dr. Lahai for always standing by the truth and clarifying issues.
Pa all the noise by usl stalwarts !!!
We should learn to appreciate opinions from every individual.
For Dr. Lahai, those evidences are factual and are evident, we know it.
However, the writer should note that Dr Lahai is not a wistleblower.
Dr. Lahai You are really a legend God Bless you am really inspired by your action wish we can have 50 of your kind in this country trust me it will start by getting better.
Dr. Lahai, you have always stood for the truth, no doubt! The only thing I do not well appreciate is the fact that you are sort of always criticising (pointing or highlighting only negative things). To say there is nothing positive happening in your country for you to commend or show case? I wish you could also educate us, your fans, on what you have contributed to make better some of things you creticise. Criticism, to me, alone is not sufficient as to every problem, there must be a solution. Please proffer some solutions to those concerns and in this way, you would be positively influencing the development of Mama Salone. Thank you, SIR!
Dr. Lahai, my question here is that, have you ever have access to other universities which you think are better than the university of Sierra Leone?. Don’t be a mediocre, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be okay everywhere before you’re ranked among top universities in Africa and it sub regions.
In my own understanding the universities mentioned are the most prominent ones in Africa, so this is a big try made by USL.