The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) convened a crucial meeting with representatives from the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) at the Minister’s Conference Room in New England Ville.
The meeting aimed to address election irregularities, resolve internal disputes, and initiate the drafting of a revised constitution for NUSS.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, underscored the importance of transparency and accountability within NUSS.
She highlighted discrepancies in the NUSS constitution, revealing the existence of two unsigned and unstamped versions.
Dr. Wurie proposed forming a ten-member working group with representatives from all campuses to revise the constitution, an updated document that would be signed by all campuses to ensure collective ownership and subsequently made public.
Dr. Wurie also recommended establishing an interim government to oversee NUSS operations during the constitutional review.
She stressed the need for consensus on the interim leadership and urged stakeholders to focus on constructive solutions rather than assigning blame for past leadership issues.
Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz Kamara acknowledged procedural lapses and leadership shortcomings, particularly during Rex Bonapha’s administration.
He emphasised collaborative efforts between the Ministry and NUSS to form an interim body that carries the full mandate of the NUSS presidency.
Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh, Esq., reported receiving conflicting narratives regarding the NUSS elections.
He cited social media reports of election irregularities and formal complaints from presidential candidates Ms Fiona Gimah and Bockarie Turay, which prompted the Ministry’s intervention.
During the meeting, Bockarie Komeh accused the NUSS Executive of issuing contradictory eligibility notices for the convention and alleged interference in the election process.
Fiona Gimah countered such claims, asserting the election’s legitimacy and attributing Mr Komeh’s absence to security concerns. She also criticised Rex Bonapha’s handling of the electoral process.
Following deliberations, the Ministry resolved to:
Form a working group to revise the NUSS constitution
Ensure transparency and inclusivity in the revision process
Establish an interim government to manage NUSS operations until the new constitution is ratified.
Credit: Richard Williams, SLNA
