By Saidu Jalloh
In a scathing rebuke, the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has condemned the lackadaisical response of the University of Sierra Leone (USL) and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) towards the ongoing leadership crisis plaguing the institution. The university, a cornerstone of education in the country, finds itself mired in a conflict between its administration and the central government, leading to significant disruptions in its operations.
CHRDI expressed grave concerns over the detrimental impact of this crisis on the functioning of the university’s constituent colleges. It highlighted the urgent need for the government and university leadership to seek resolution through legal avenues provided by Sierra Leone’s laws and the University Act of 2021.
The organization underscored the broader implications of neglecting universal access to quality education, citing a stark misalignment between educational outcomes and government commitments under human rights agreements. CHRDI emphasized that education is not a privilege but a fundamental human right crucial for promoting human rights and societal advancement.
Furthermore, CHRDI stressed the pivotal role of education in empowerment, particularly for marginalized individuals, offering them a pathway out of poverty and enabling meaningful participation in society.
The government of Sierra Leone was urged to uphold the right to education, adhere to national laws, and address the leadership crisis at the University of Sierra Leone promptly in accordance with the provisions outlined in the University Act of 2021.
CHRDI raised alarm over the lack of accountability within the university administration, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and decisive action from all relevant parties. Additionally, concerns were voiced regarding the inadequate services provided to students, coupled with reports of sexual harassment against female students by both lecturers and peers.
As CHRDI remains vigilant in monitoring the situation, it calls upon all stakeholders to prioritize the resolution of the crisis, safeguard the rights of students, and uphold the integrity of higher education in Sierra Leone.
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