In recent months, the higher education landscape in Sierra Leone has been engulfed in a storm of controversy, raising alarm among academics, students, and policymakers alike. The root of the upheaval lies in what many perceive as a troubling erosion of institutional autonomy, driven by an increasingly assertive Ministry of Technical and Higher Education under the leadership of the current minister. The unfolding situation not only threatens the stability of universities but also calls into question the broader integrity of Sierra Leone’s democratic governance and commitment to educational excellence.
Historically, Sierra Leone’s universities enjoyed a degree of independence, with successive administrations respecting the internal governance structures established by law. Under the leadership of esteemed academics such as Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie and Professor Kpakima, the Ministry maintained a balanced relationship with higher institutions, providing oversight without undermining their autonomy. This approach fostered an environment where universities could operate independently, make their own decisions, and serve as bastions of scholarly freedom.
However, since the appointment of the current Minister of Technical and Higher Education, a stark departure from this tradition has become evident. Multiple sources within the academic community report a pattern of overt interference, political pressure, and disregard for established legal frameworks governing university operations. Such developments are viewed by many as a blatant breach of the principles enshrined in the Universities Act 2021, which explicitly stipulates the independence of tertiary institutions.
Central to the controversy are two influential advisers attached to the Ministry: Dr. Josephus Brimah and E. J. Momoh. Critics argue that both individuals wield disproportionate influence over the Ministry’s decisions, often acting beyond their advisory roles to shape policy and intervene directly in university affairs.
Dr. Brimah, who publicly touts his academic credentials, is accused of lacking the technical expertise necessary for advising on higher education governance. His background in Philosophy, critics contend, does not align with the administrative and technical complexities of university management. Nevertheless, his influence appears to have grown, raising concerns about the appropriateness of his role.
E. J. Momoh’s past employment history further fuels suspicion. Having served in the Registry at the University of Sierra Leone, his contract was reportedly terminated following administrative disputes. Now, critics allege that he is leveraging his current position to pursue longstanding grievances against university officials, undermining their authority and destabilizing institutional decision-making.
Many observers believe these advisers are not acting in isolation but are emblematic of a broader trend of institutional overreach. This perception is reinforced by a series of controversial interventions that have rattled the higher education sector.
One of the earliest flashpoints was the crisis at the University of Sierra Leone (USL), where unilateral actions by the Ministry—such as suspensions and forced resignations—sparked protests and internal unrest. Academic voices describe these moves as unprecedented intrusions into the university’s internal affairs, undermining years of established governance practices.
Following this, the Ministry launched investigations into senior officials at USL, including the Vice Chancellor and other top administrators. While accountability is vital, critics argue that the manner and transparency of these investigations created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, damaging the morale of staff and students alike.
Further controversies arose over the misappropriation and transfer of funds meant for critical research projects. Notably, the handling of a research grant intended for the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) has come under scrutiny, with calls mounting for an inquiry into the management and transfer of those funds.
Njala University became another battleground in this ongoing struggle. The Minister reportedly sought to extend the tenure of Professor Bashiru Koroma, the Vice Chancellor and Principal, beyond the statutory retirement age stipulated by law. This move was challenged by the University Court, which holds the legal authority over such appointments.
Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas, a prominent legal figure, ruled that the Minister lacked the authority to extend the Vice Chancellor’s tenure, reaffirming the legal provisions of the Universities Act 2021. Despite this, the episode underscored the persistent attempts by the Ministry to influence university leadership appointments and extensions in ways that contradict established legal protocols.
Similar interference was reported at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), where Dr. Brimah allegedly sought to influence a university recruitment process by objecting to a candidate’s appointment. University authorities requested evidence supporting these concerns, but none was provided, further illustrating the questionable nature of such interventions.
One of the most alarming developments has been the apparent paralysis of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the body responsible for regulating universities and maintaining academic standards. Reports indicate that the Commission’s staff have been suspended, and operational control has been transferred to Ministry officials—an action that effectively bypasses the Commission’s independence.
This politicization of regulatory oversight is highly concerning. It threatens to undermine the credibility of Sierra Leone’s higher education system by allowing political considerations to dictate academic standards and institutional governance. The independence of oversight bodies is a cornerstone of quality assurance in higher education worldwide, and its erosion risks turning universities into tools of political patronage.
Supporters of President Julius Maada Bio have expressed concern over these developments, emphasizing that the government initially made efforts to insulate universities from political interference. Early in his tenure, President Bio was praised for distancing the presidency from university chancellorships, a move designed to strengthen institutional independence and academic freedom.
