Varsity gags lecturers

By James Tamba Lebbie
The Njala University administration has come out with a code of conduct and disciplinary policy for its staff. A document from the Office of the Registrar to Academic and Senior Administrative staff members, which has been leaked to Politico, states among other things that except with the prior authority of the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University, no staff members should issue any press statement or take part in any public debate or discussion on any matter relating to the business of the University.
It is not immediately clear what precipitated this move by the administration but some lecturers told Politico that it is a strategy to gag lecturers from saying anything against the government ahead of general elections in November this year. It also comes months after a sit-down strike by lecturers at the University of Sierra Leone, an action that was supported by their colleagues at Njala University, Bo Campus, through public statements.
The document says that every staff member of the University is required to “seek and obtain permission from the Vice Chancellor and Principal through his or her Department” before attending conferences, seminars and workshops. The code of conduct also forbids academic and senior administrative staff of the University to consume alcohol or liquor within the University campus during office hours.
A dress code for the same category of staff is included in the conduct. It says staff members whose work involves contact with the public should ensure that their dress and appearance reflect the “image” of Njala University. The document does not explain what that image is.
The code also has a secrecy clause which states that all information obtained during the course of employment with the University is confidential, and that strict secrecy should be observed by staff members in connection with their duties.
It says staff members are forbidden to communicate such information to any unauthorised persons or institutions. The code says breaches of this secrecy and any other code of conduct would be treated as a serious offence for which those found wanting will be dismissed without notification.
When contacted by Politico, the Registrar of Njala University, Aly Turay declined to comment about the document saying “I am under oath”.
Meanwhile, the President of the Academic Staff Association, Njala Campus could not be reached for his comment. However, his counterpart at the Bo Campus told Politico that they were studying the document and would come out with a statement when the need arose.