‘KANGAROO PANELS’
…Ministry Accused of Hijacking Universities
For many within Sierra Leone’s academic community, the growing tension surrounding the country’s tertiary education sector has become a source of deep concern. Since the appointment of the current Minister of Technical and Higher Education, universities and regulatory institutions have reportedly experienced increasing instability, division, and political pressure a situation many stakeholders insist was not prevalent under previous administrations led by figures such as Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie and Professor Kpakima.
Those former ministers, despite being accomplished academics themselves, were widely regarded as leaders who respected the autonomy and internal governance structures of tertiary institutions. It is rumoured that the same cannot be said of the current leadership at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.
Central to the controversy are two advisers attached to the Ministry: Dr. Josephus Brimah and E. J. Momoh. Critics allege that both men wield significant influence over the Ministry’s decisions despite concerns about their suitability for such advisory roles.
Dr. Brimah, who has publicly highlighted his academic credentials, is accused of lacking the technical expertise required to provide guidance on higher education administration. Some stakeholders further argue that his academic background in Philosophy does not directly align with the educational and technical demands of the Ministry.
Meanwhile, allegations surrounding Mr. Momoh stem from his previous employment at the University of Sierra Leone, where he reportedly served in the Registry before his employment was terminated following an administrative dispute. It is now allege that he is using his current role to pursue longstanding grievances against certain university administrators.
Many observers believe these advisers are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping Ministry policy and direction. While Parliament has begun raising questions about the Ministry’s conduct, analysts insist that lawmakers must move beyond scrutiny and take concrete steps to ensure compliance with the Universities Act 2021.
Legal experts and academics have also raised concerns about what they describe as institutional overreach within the Ministry itself. Under Sierra Leone’s governance framework, legal guidance for ministries and government agencies traditionally falls under the authority of the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General. However, some officials within the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, including senior technical officers, are accused of assuming responsibilities that properly belong to those constitutional offices, if left unchecked, such actions could create institutional confusion and damage the credibility of government processes.
Concerns over interference first intensified during the controversy surrounding the University of Sierra Leone Court. According to several academic voices, unilateral actions allegedly taken by the Ministry contributed to resignations, suspensions, and instability within the institution. Many viewed the episode as an unprecedented intrusion into university autonomy.
The Minister’s subsequent push for investigations into senior officials at the University of Sierra Leone further heightened tensions. Although accountability within public institutions remains essential, the manner in which these investigations were pursued created an atmosphere of fear, humiliation, and intimidation across the higher education sector.
Additional allegations have also emerged involving a research grant originally intended for the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), the public is calling for further investigation into the handling and transfer of those funds.
The controversy later expanded to Njala University, where the Minister reportedly attempted to extend the tenure of Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Bashiru Koroma, a move which fell within the authority of the University Court rather than the Ministry.
The matter eventually reached Solomon Segepoh Thomas, who reportedly ruled that the Minister lacked the legal authority to extend the Vice Chancellor’s tenure beyond the statutory retirement age outlined in the Universities Act 2021. The University Court, however, retained the legal authority to consider such an extension.
Similar allegations of interference later surfaced at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), where Dr. Brimah reportedly sought to influence a university recruitment process by objecting to the appointment of a candidate. According to reports, university authorities requested evidence supporting the concerns raised, but none was provided.
It is noted that in many of these disputes, either Dr. Brimah or Mr. Momoh allegedly played a central role.
Attention has also turned to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the body responsible for regulating universities and maintaining academic standards. It is alleged that the Commission has been effectively paralysed following the suspension of staff and the alleged transfer of operational control to Ministry personnel.
According to allegations circulating within the sector, Ministry staff are now overseeing procurement processes and administrative functions that ordinarily fall under the authority of the Commission itself, developments analysts say such a move undermine confidence in the independence of educational oversight institutions.
Supporters of Julius Maada Bio have described the situation as particularly troubling given the President’s earlier efforts to reduce political interference in universities. Shortly after taking office, President Bio was widely praised for distancing the presidency from direct chancellorship roles within universities a move interpreted as an attempt to strengthen institutional autonomy and academic freedom.
Many now fear those gains are being gradually reversed.
The ongoing crisis at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) has become one of the most cited examples in the wider debate. It is allege that the Ministry directly influenced internal university processes, including investigative committees and administrative actions that have since led to operational difficulties within the institution.
The suspension of senior leadership figures, coupled with reported restrictions on institutional accounts, has reportedly weakened the university’s ability to function effectively. There are also claims that new account signatories were imposed without proper legal authority under the Universities Act.
Within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), concerns are reportedly growing over the political consequences of the ongoing controversies. Across newspapers, radio programmes, and public discussions, supporters and media anchors increasingly portray the Ministry’s actions not as isolated administrative disputes, but as reflective of the broader government itself.
Some party stakeholders fear these controversies could undermine the image President Bio has sought to build around educational reform and institutional strengthening.
Many had expected the Ministry to prioritise funding, infrastructure development, and the expansion of technical and vocational education, particularly within the newer universities established under the current administration. Instead, that attention has become consumed by suspensions, investigations, institutional disputes, and governance battles.
Equally concerning are allegations of intimidation and fear among university leaders, with some observers warning that continued silence from senior academic authorities may embolden further political interference in the future.
The debate has become even more politically sensitive following references to findings in a recent report by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which reportedly raised questions about certain actions linked to the Ministry.
As Sierra Leone gradually moves toward the 2028 elections, many supporters of the government believe the education sector should stand as one of the administration’s strongest achievements. They argue that progress in educational access, institutional growth, and opportunities for young people should define the Ministry’s legacy not controversy and accusations of overreach.
Ultimately, the growing national debate raises a fundamental question: should tertiary institutions remain independent centres of academic governance, or are they becoming increasingly vulnerable to political influence?
For many Sierra Leoneans watching closely, the answer may determine not only the future of higher education, but also the broader credibility of the country’s democratic institutions.