Parliamentary Oversight Committee Rules in Favor Of MMTU
In a significant development, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Technical and Higher Education in Parliament, tasked with investigating the long-standing land dispute between New Brookfields Hotel and Milton Margai Technical University, finally, on Monday 11 November 2024, reached a resolution. After conducting a thorough review of the relevant laws and documentation, the Committee determined that Milton Margai Technical University is the rightful landlord of the disputed property.
According to the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Joseph Williams Lamin, the decision was made after careful examination of pages 44 and 45 of the Universities Act 2021, which established the university’s ownership rights over the land.
The Committee ruled as follows: “The Milton Margai Technical University is a landlord of the entire property at Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown, Western Area, Republic of Sierra Leone. The Milton Margai Technical University to maintain all classrooms deserve for students’ lectures. The Milton Margai Technical University Administration, Court, Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, and the Tertiary Education Commission developed an agreement with the hotel owners for possible tenancy. The Milton Margai Technical University Administration to adequately support the Student Union Office rehabilitation works to speed up the completion at the Brookfields Campus. From henceforth, Milton Margai Technical University is a landlord of the property at Jomo Kenyatta Road.”
The Committee’s findings brought an end to a contentious dispute that has been ongoing for several years, causing tension between the two parties.
The dispute began when the New Brookfields Hotel claimed ownership of the land, citing alleged agreements with previous administrations. However, Milton Margai Technical University maintained that it had never relinquished its rights to the property, which has been part of its campus for decades.
The Committee’s resolution is seen as a major victory for the university, which has long argued that it is the rightful owner of the land. “We are pleased that the Committee has recognized our ownership rights,” the university noted. “This decision will allow us to continue developing our campus and providing quality education to our students without unnecessary distractions.”
The resolution marks an important milestone in resolving this high-profile land dispute. It is expected to set a precedent for similar cases in the country, where land ownership disputes are common.
As news of the resolution spreads, many are hailing it as a triumph for justice and the rule of law in Sierra Leone. “This decision demonstrates that our institutions are capable of upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens,” said a local observer. “It’s a great day for our country.”