By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Sierra Leone Civil Rights Coalition (CRC) has expressed grave concern over reports circulating on social media alleging that the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Professor Philip Kanu, has been asked to step aside from his duties.
Following consultations with credible stakeholders, the Coalition described the claims as misleading, unfounded, and procedurally defective.
The CRC raised particular concern about events on January 6, 2026, when the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education attended a University Court meeting as a visitor and reportedly participated in its deliberations—an occurrence the Coalition described as unprecedented. During that meeting, allegations emerged that raw scores from an interview process had been tampered with, prompting the establishment of an investigative committee. However, the committee reportedly did not find Professor Kanu culpable.
The Coalition emphasized that any attempt to compel the Vice-Chancellor to step aside must adhere strictly to the provisions of the Universities Act 2021, which outlines the governance framework of the institution. According to the CRC, the University Court—the highest administrative authority—has not taken any formal decision requiring Professor Kanu to step aside. It further noted that a recent meeting convened on the matter failed to meet quorum, rendering its deliberations null and void.
The CRC also highlighted concerns surrounding the University’s recent recruitment process, which had been duly approved by the Court. It pointed out that the Chancellor did not attend the meeting where the recruitment list was approved—an opportunity, it argued, where any concerns could have been raised. The Coalition stressed that decisions already approved by the Court can only be reviewed by the same body, warning that external interference undermines institutional authority.
Addressing complaints from some former Polytechnic staff who claim to have been unlawfully dismissed, the Coalition described such claims as misleading. It explained that following the transition of MMTU from a Polytechnic to a full University, all staff were paid their end-of-service benefits and signed separation agreements. Affected individuals were later given the opportunity to reapply, with only qualified candidates successfully re-engaged through a transparent recruitment process endorsed by the University Court.
The CRC further clarified that the recategorization of staff positions by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) was an administrative process intended to align salaries with standard university structures, and did not constitute new employment contracts.
The Coalition warned that ongoing pressure to reinstate former staff outside established procedures could undermine the integrity of the University’s governance system. It added that reintegration efforts must be carefully managed to avoid displacing duly recruited personnel.
Condemning what it described as ministerial interference, the CRC stated that the Minister’s participation in the January 6 meeting compromised transparency, due process, and institutional autonomy. It argued that recommendations emerging from a procedurally flawed process lack legal standing.
The Coalition also raised concerns about broader external influence in the University’s internal affairs, noting that such actions contravene the Universities Act 2021 and threaten institutional independence.
Describing Professor Kanu as instrumental in transforming MMTU into a fully-fledged technical university, the CRC warned that attempts to remove him without due process could undermine leadership and discourage merit-based service. It reiterated that no evidence of wrongdoing has been established against him.
A member of the University Court has also reportedly dismissed the claims as “fallacious, misleading, and untrue,” questioning the authority and legal basis for calls demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s removal.
The CRC called for an immediate end to misinformation, strict adherence to legal procedures, and respect for the authority of the University Court. It stressed that Professor Kanu must be given a fair opportunity to respond to any allegations, including the right to present witnesses and legal representation, as provided for under the Universities Act.
The Coalition further urged the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in his capacity as Visitor to the University, to intervene in the matter to ensure justice, uphold good governance, and safeguard institutional integrity.
In conclusion, the CRC maintained that no individual or group has the authority to arbitrarily request a senior university official to step aside outside established legal frameworks, warning that such actions threaten the rule of law and institutional stability.