Potential Legitimacy Concerns Surrounding USL Degrees
Recent developments in Sierra Leone's education landscape particularly the ongoing saga between the Higher Education Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie and the structures within the University of Sierra Leone (USL) have raised significant questions about the legality of degrees that may be awarded by the USL. The concerns stem from a lack of clarity and adherence to crucial provisions within the legislation.
One of the critical components defining the authority structure of a university is outlined in Section 5 of the University Act. The authorities listed, including the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Court and the Senate form the backbone of the university's decision-making and operational framework.
However, a statement from the Minister of Tertiary and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulie Wurie, reveals a potential gap in the implementation of the University Act. Dr. Wurie pointed out that her role in appointing an acting Vice Chancellor (a position that is not provided for by law) and Principal would not have been necessary if there were a Pro Vice-Chancellor in place. She placed blame on the dissolved University Court, asserting that they failed in their mandate to appoint the Pro Vice Chancellor, as stipulated in the Universities Act 2021.
The crux of the matter lies in the absence of a functioning university court with the authority to preside over congregations. This omission raises concerns about the degrees' legitimacy, as they may not be awarded by the competent authority, potentially leading to legality issues.
Section 46 of the University Act specifically addresses congregations, the formal gatherings necessary for conferring degrees and other academic awards. However, the lack of a properly constituted University Court, which should preside over congregations, adds a layer of uncertainty to the entire degree conferment process.
According to Section 46(1), a Congregation should be held under the auspices of the Court, emphasizing its pivotal role in the legitimacy of academic awards. The absence of this authoritative body could compromise the validity of degrees conferred by the university.
Furthermore, Section 46(3) outlines the hierarchy of officials who can preside over a Congregation. In the absence of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal should preside, followed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and then a Deputy Vice-Chancellor nominated by the Court. If the University Court is not properly constituted, questions arise regarding the legitimacy of the individual presiding over the Congregation.
The lack of a clear procedure for summoning a Congregation, as mentioned in Section 46(4), further adds to the uncertainty surrounding the awarding of degrees by the University of Sierra Leone.
In light of these legal ambiguities, stakeholders and the public must seek clarification from relevant authorities to ensure the integrity of academic degrees conferred by the University of Sierra Leone.
Addressing these concerns is crucial to upholding the reputation and credibility of the educational institutions in Sierra Leone and ensuring that students' hard-earned qualifications are recognized and respected on a global scale.