USL Officials Under Fire as University Court Convenes Over Corruption Findings
By Fatmata Lebbie
Senior officials of the University of Sierra Leone (USL) are facing intense scrutiny as the University Court convenes today to address damning findings from a years-long corruption probe.
The investigation, covering 2018 to early 2024, uncovered widespread mismanagement, financial irregularities, and systemic governance failures under the university’s former leadership. The probe specifically implicates the former Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Finance Director in what investigators describe as a breakdown in institutional oversight and accountability.
According to the report, major irregularities were found in procurement practices and staff recruitment, with a complete lack of proper handover procedures during administrative transitions. Investigators reported that several key officials refused to cooperate, significantly delaying the process and deepening transparency concerns.
“The absence of cooperation from former leadership severely hindered the investigation,” one official familiar with the inquiry told this reporter. “This points to deliberate efforts to obscure financial and administrative misconduct.”
As the University Court meets behind closed doors, public and internal pressure is mounting for strong disciplinary and structural reforms. Students, faculty, and civil society groups have called for leadership changes and comprehensive governance reviews to restore public trust in the institution.
The Court’s decisions are expected to have far-reaching consequences for the university’s management and could signal a broader reckoning for governance in higher education across the country.
The University of Sierra Leone, regarded as the country’s flagship institution of higher learning, now stands at a critical crossroads as it seeks to rebuild its reputation and restore credibility.
