Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) has taken decisive action against misconduct within its academic staff, resulting in the dismissal of several lecturers following allegations of sexual harassment and other professional violations.
Key Developments:
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Dismissal of Six Lecturers: Six lecturers, including departmental heads, were dismissed after being found guilty of sexually harassing female students. Investigations revealed that these individuals solicited sexual favors and monetary bribes in exchange for grades. Some cases involved coercion, with lecturers threatening students' academic progress to obtain compliance.
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Additional Terminations: Four other lecturers faced termination for various professional misconducts. Two were involved in grade manipulation, accepting bribes to alter students' academic results. The remaining two were found to have abandoned their teaching duties for extended periods while still receiving salaries.
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University's Stance: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Philip John Kanu, emphasized the institution's zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and unprofessional behavior. He assured students and parents of the university's commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment.
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Legal Proceedings: The dismissed lecturers were handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Institutional Response:
The university's actions have been met with support from the student body and the public, who commend the administration's efforts to uphold academic integrity and protect students' rights. The incident has also sparked broader discussions on the need for stringent measures against sexual harassment in educational institutions across Sierra Leone.
MMTU's decisive response serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical standards within academia and the responsibility of institutions to address misconduct promptly and transparently.