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The University of Sierra Leone (USL) Investigation Committee has exposed significant financial mismanagement, procedural violations, and procurement irregularities within the institution, according to a report released on January 30, 2025.
The report highlights billions of Leones unaccounted for due to inconsistencies in income and expenditure records. It further reveals that USL failed to submit complete and audited financial statements for the years 2021–2023, constituting a breach of the Universities Act 2021.
Additionally, the committee identified serious flaws in the implementation of the SAGE 300 accounting system, which was exacerbated by insufficient staff training.
The findings also point to widespread non-compliance with procurement regulations, including the unauthorized purchase of a $126,000 vehicle.
The report flagged conflicts of interest, particularly concerning the University’s Business Centre, which simultaneously served as a supplier and procurement facilitator.
Beyond financial discrepancies, the investigation uncovered weak human resource practices, including poor record management, unstructured recruitment processes, and a lack of formal job descriptions. Leadership transitions within the institution were also found to be poorly managed, with no structured handover procedures in place.
The Investigation Committee has recommended urgent corrective measures to restore transparency and accountability at USL. As the report gains public attention, stakeholders are calling for decisive action to address the systemic failures outlined in the findings.
