By: Shaka Kamara
The Deputy Director of the Public Education and Outreach Department of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sierra Leone, Sylvanus Blake, has urged freshmen of the Law Department at IMATT College to steer clear of corrupt practices and uphold the highest standards of integrity and discipline.
He made these remarks on Thursday, 9th October 2025, during an orientation ceremony held at the college’s Kingtom campus, where he addressed both staff and first-year law students.
In his inspiring speech, Mr. Blake emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in both academic and personal life. He began by thanking the administration of IMATT College for their partnership with the ACC in promoting transparency and integrity in the education sector. He also highlighted the establishment of the college’s Integrity Club, which aims to instill these values in students.
“The law profession thrives best on the foundation of integrity and discipline. You should all understand this and be committed to doing your best from the very beginning. This is the only path to becoming a good lawyer. I urge you to study hard, respect the rules and regulations of this institution, and, above all, uphold your integrity. Always do what is right, even when it’s difficult and when no one is watching,” he stated.
Mr. Blake encouraged the students to study diligently and adhere to institutional rules as they pursue their dreams of becoming lawyers. He stressed that the legal profession is a prestigious one, which cannot afford to compromise the core values of integrity, discipline, and justice.
He referenced Section 128(3) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, which criminalizes all forms of educational malpractice as a serious corruption offence. This includes penalties such as a five-year jail term, a fine of 50,000 Leones, or both. He cautioned that examination malpractice not only undermines the credibility of education but also hinders national development. He urged both students and lecturers to avoid any practices that may constitute corruption, reaffirming that the ACC will remain resolute in investigating and addressing corruption allegations, regardless of the individuals involved.
Earlier, the Director of IMATT College, Amadu Justice Bah, welcomed the new students and provided an overview of the institution’s regulations designed to protect both students and staff. He emphasized that at IMATT College, the administration is committed to fairness, justice, and equal rights.
He reassured the students that the college adheres to a zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractices and upholds an open, fair, and transparent grading system.
ACC’s Public Education Officer and popular comedian, Shaka Kamara (aka Yemata), added an entertaining twist to the event by performing motivational skits that illustrated the importance of ethical behavior, transparency, accountability, discipline, and hard work. His performance energized the audience and reinforced the message that integrity must be maintained across all areas of life.