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By: Alhaji Umaru Gbow

Credit: Public Relations Assistant, ������Ƶ University (Ayuba Koroma)

University Secretariat, ������Ƶ Campus, 4th May 2025- Dr. Josephus Brimah, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), and Mr. Emmanuel J. Momoh ESQ., Director of Higher Education, has on Saturday, inducted newly inaugurated members of the ������Ƶ University Court on the key provisions of the Universities Act of 2021.

Dr. Josephus Brimah gave an in-depth presentation on the Act, highlighting its transformative impact on University governance. He emphasized that the 2021 Universities Act now serves as the principal legislation governing the operations of public universities in Sierra Leone.

“This Act,” he noted, “consolidates and repeals previous laws, such as the Universities Act of 2005, and introduces new structures and procedures to modernize the higher education sector.”

He explained that the Act consists of six key parts and includes provisions for the establishment of new universities like the Kono University of Science and Technology among others. He added that the Act now recognizes a broader range of academic disciplines, including medicine, engineering, law, and theology.

Dr. Brimah clarified one of the Act’s most significant changes—the separation of ceremonial and administrative roles in public universities. “The President is no longer the Chancellor but remains the Visitor to public universities,” he said. “The ceremonial role of Chancellor is now distinct from the executive authority of the Vice-Chancellor.”

He further outlined that the appointment of the Chancellor is made by the President on the advice of the Minister, in accordance with Section 7 of the Act. He also stressed that the University Court remains the highest administrative authority, with the Senate retaining academic oversight.

Speaking next, Mr. Emmanuel J. Momoh ESQ. detailed the composition and responsibilities of the University Court under Section 12 of the Act. He said the Court comprises ex-officio members such as the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and Director of Finance, alongside elected representatives of Senate, staff, students, and external stakeholders.

Mr. Emmanuel Momoh emphasized the importance of diversity in Court membership. “The Act mandates gender balance, requiring four male and four female representatives,” he said. He also noted the inclusion of external voices like representatives from ministries and the private sector.

He walked the new Court members through their roles, including approving policies, financial plans, and personnel matters. “Court must ensure compliance with the Act while making decisions on strategic university affairs,” he said.

Addressing the Court’s role in academic matters, the Director of Higher Education clarified that although Senate makes recommendations on purely academic issues, the final authority lies with the Court, especially if those decisions have financial or structural implications.

Mr. Momoh closed by reminding Court members of their responsibility to maintain due process, especially in cases involving disciplinary actions. “Section 15 empowers the Court to suspend or remove senior officials, but only with just cause,” he stressed. “You must exercise this authority with fairness and prudence.”

The induction ended with a question-and-answer session, where Court members sought clarity on procedural matters, responsibilities, and their roles in shaping university policy.

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© Public Relations Unit, ������Ƶ University

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