High-ranking officials at the University of Sierra Leone (USL) face scrutiny today as the University Court meets to decide on accountability measures following a thorough corruption probe.

The investigation, which uncovered mismanagement and corruption within the university’s leadership, has left the institution at a crossroads.

The investigation, covering the period from 2018 to early 2024, revealed serious issues under the previous administration. It exposed deep flaws in how the university was run, including financial mismanagement, poor oversight, and irregular practices in procurement and staff recruitment.

Some of the highest-ranking officials, including the former Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Finance Director, were found to have failed in their duties, contributing to a breakdown in governance.

One of the most troubling aspects of the investigation was the lack of proper handover procedures, with key figures refusing to cooperate with independent investigators. This created major transparency gaps, making it harder to get to the root of the problems and slowing down the investigation process.

As the University Court meets today, stakeholders are hoping for decisive action. There are growing calls for leadership changes to restore the university’s credibility and public trust. The outcome of today’s session could determine the future direction of USL and its efforts to rebuild itself as Sierra Leone’s leading academic institution.