The Office of the Ombudsman has in recent times been confronted with serious internal conflicts between the Former Ombudsman and the Former Executive Secretary. These disputes significantly undermined the smooth functioning of the institution and hampered its ability to effectively discharge its statutory mandate.
As a result of the prolonged infighting, the Office suffered a breakdown in service delivery and was unable to adequately serve the public in accordance with its obligations. In view of these challenges, and in order to restore credibility, efficiency, and stability to the institution, both the Former Ombudsman and the Former Executive Secretary have been relieved of their duties.
This decision was taken in the best interest of the Office and the citizens it is meant to serve. It paves the way for the appointment of a new leadership that should prioritize professionalism, institutional harmony and effective service delivery in line with the Office’s mandate.
It is regrettable that the new Ombudsman, so early in his tenure, has chosen to begin on such a footing. Almost immediately after assuming office, he directed unwarranted attacks at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU). If indeed his office is the author of the flyer stating: “Did you know that, of all institutions, Milton Margai Technical shows the highest level of non-compliance with the Office of the Ombudsman?” then this assertion is both misleading and unfortunate.
MMTU can safely state that this claim is false. On every occasion, we have been reported to the Ombudsman’s Office, we have provided timely responses. Even when correspondence that should properly have been sent through the Former Executive Secretary was instead written directly by the Former Ombudsman to the Vice-Chancellor & Principal—contrary to administrative norms—the Registrar of MMTU has nevertheless ensured that responses were duly provided.
As such, to portray MMTU as non-compliant is simply inaccurate and unfair. While we wish the new Ombudsman success in carrying out his mandate, beginning his tenure with unfounded accusations against a government institution does not reflect well on the impartiality or professionalism expected of his high office.
The Administration of MMTU wishes to make it clear that we have always provided timely and adequate responses to all correspondences. However, it is important to emphasize that our institutional protocol requires that all official correspondence be addressed to the Registrar, who is the designated officer responsible for receiving and responding to communications on behalf of the University. Failure to observe this protocol undermines proper administrative procedure and creates unnecessary confusion. We therefore strongly encourage that all future correspondences be directed to the Registrar in accordance with the Universities Act, 2021 and established University practice.
As at press time, the Ombudsman’s Office did not respond to the allegations in spite of several calls on 076945926.
