By Nasratu Kargbo
The Milton Margai Technical University’s administration has banned the Students’ Union election which was scheduled for Friday 20th August 2021. When asked whether the election was banned due to an incident involving a female presidential candidate who was allegedly stripped naked, the Principal Dr. Philip Kanu told Politico that the issue of the female candidate was not the only reason; citing also what he said was the chaotic nature of the campus then.
He said the students could not conduct a peaceful election and allowed individuals he referred to as outsiders to interfere and influence their affairs. Dr. Kanu explained that a lot of students were not attending classes because they were afraid of the tension on campus, which forced the administration to put a ban on the election and instead get the students focus on their examination.
He also disclosed that he received a complaint letter from a female candidate explaining how she was invited to a meeting by a group of students and unknown persons who went on to strip her naked . They reportedly took photographs of her and threatened to post the pictures on social media in order to frighten her to step down for the other candidates.
He told Politico that he would not say much on the female candidate’s issue because investigations are ongoing and that the college’s disciplinary committee is presently looking into the matter. However, he revealed that names are coming up.
He stated that the government of Sierra Leone has attained global recognition for prioritizing the protection of women and girls. “It is a shame for students to treat a female student in such a dastardly and unacceptable manner”, the principal angrily stated. He pointed out that students’ affairs should remain students’ affairs, and sees all students as his children but emphasized the need for them to study hard and be disciplined. The Principle emphasized that he will never interfere in students’ politics.
Dr. Kanu mentioned a letter sent to the Chief Minister in which some students accused the administration of meddling in their elections, and of the students even threatening to protest and burn down the institution. The Principal warned the students not to be misled by people and expressed disappointment that they could not conduct an election for themselves.
He revealed that since his tenure, all students’ union elections conducted have been peaceful, free and fair, stating that other universities, colleges and the entire country have admired and applauded the institution for being peaceful.
The Vice Principal of the university, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh said that the administration has no intention of trampling on the rights and freedom of students but that they in turn should show some responsibilities.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (18/08/21)
