By Nasratu Kargbo
The Leader for the National Grand Coalition (NGC) party, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella who was recently appointed by Parliament as Chairman for the Special Select Committee for Certificate Audit has revealed that there is a college in Bo that awards honorary doctorate degrees even though the college is not accredited.
The MP told parliament on Wednesday 15th June 2022 that when he got to know about the institution named Bishop Momo Memorial College of Management and Professional Studies, he called the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to have it verified, leading to the discovery that the institution has not been accredited by TEC.
Yumkella in his research found out that the institution had applied for a category C accreditation, an application that is pending because the National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards (NCTVA) has not accredited the institution. TEC can only approve the institution after been accredited by NCTVA, being a category C institution whose activities are handled by NCTVA.
Bishop Momo Memorial College of Management & Professional Studies in Bo has not been accredited and it is therefore noted that all first degrees Masters or honorary doctorates are considered null and void.
He also stated that they have heard a lot of information about people who register in academic institutions and do not attend classes, yet they are given attestation that they have a degree, but they in turn will say that the document got missing.
“People are doing it with levity” said Dr.Yumkella . He claimed to have heard people giving negative comments that no punitive action will be taken.
He said as a team, they hope those that have already been found to have unknowingly or knowingly got those fake degrees, will have to renounce them. He explained of a short term action that can be taken, but that they would focus on a long-term systemic reform process.
Explaining the extent and seriousness of the matter, the MP stated that if the situation worsens, Sierra Leoneans will not be treated with seriousness elsewhere in the world upon presentation of their certificates.
He explained that they have submitted a concept to the Speaker of Parliament Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu on how they want to approach the fight against fake degrees, without looking sensational.
Dr. Yumkella explained that they need a secretariat and resources to get the expertise to aid them in the process. He made mentioned about having TEC and some professors to research and find a headway on how to solve the issue.
He noted that their job is to stop the proliferation of fake degrees
He said he has briefed President Julius Maada Bio about their work, and hope to see him next time with his team. He said their task is faced with political hurdles, and revealed how two parliamentary clerks that were supposed to work with the committee clearly declined.
He mentioned that deadline for the submission of academic certificates for public officials was 15th June 2022 whilst for MPs they have till the 20th June this year to do so
Representing Constituency 050, the Whip of the Opposition Hassan Sesay spoke about malpractices in public examinations which have increased and becoming detrimental to the country’s educational system.
Sesay said such needs to be fixed and suggested that they start with those at the tertiary level and move to the schools.
Speaker Dr. Bundu admitted that the issue is serious in the country. He mentioned happenings in the end of secondary school exams where pupils believe they need to spy to pass exams. He stated that the situation is becoming endemic.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (17/06/22)
