By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has sacked three lecturers over their involvement in an alleged examination malpractice.
In a statement, the university administration said the decision was reached at the conclusion of an investigation into allegations that the unnamed lecturers “fraudulently” changed grades of students after examination.
All three lecturers are from the Faculty of Information Systems and Technology, at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), one of the three constituent colleges of the USL.
Director of Media and International Relations at USL, Tonya Musa said they refrained from publishing the names of the lecturers now because they might have a chance to appeal the decision, which could be overturned.
When asked if they would publish the names if the lecturers turned out unsuccessful in their appeal, Mr Musa said: “we hope so.”
Politico later found out that the two lecturers had even written their resignation letters before the university made public its decision, a point Mr Musa confirmed, but said it didn’t change the university’s decision.
“That doesn’t prevent the university from dismissing them,” Musa said.
The dismissal of the lecturers is line with the USL’s Policy on Examination Conduct and Malpractice that was adopted in September 2016. Musa said the decision showed there was no “sacred cow” when it came to disciplinary actions in the university.
“This is an effort in fighting impunity of that nature, and we believe it will serve as a deterrent for future occurrence,” he said.
Sierra Leone’s education system has come under the spotlight amidst rampant and brazen acts of examination malpractice.
This action against these lecturers highlights how deep-rooted the problem is.
Last month, FBC, another USL constituent college, rusticated and expelled more than 65 students. That was preceded by the expulsion and rustication of more than 20 others at IPAM. The latest decision by USL against lecturers is a sign of an all-out war on all forms of exam malpractice.
Musa hinted to Politico that this might not be all. He said there might be more expulsions on the way. He said another investigation into examination malpractice had been wrapped up at FBC.
“The investigation has concluded; the findings of the investigation will be tabled for further action,” he said.
IPAM and FBC are not the only colleges dealing with the menace, the third USL constituent college, the College of Medicine Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), also recently came under the spotlight.
The university’s press release, issued on Friday, stated that a total of seven students were rusticated and three expelled from COMAHS following the conclusion of an investigation into their involvement in exams malpractice.
© 2019 Politico Online
