The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has announced the immediate suspension of the use of class representatives across all its colleges and faculties, citing widespread reports of misconduct, corruption, and academic malpractice linked to the role.
In a policy statement issued on Saturday, the university’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Aiah Lebbie, declared that the long-standing practice of appointing class representatives had been abolished. He directed all lecturers to cease delegating any official responsibilities to students.
“Effective immediately, the practice of appointing Class Representatives is hereby discontinued,” Professor Lebbie said. “On no account are lecturers to appoint Class Representatives or delegate any formal functions to them.”
The decision followed an October 24, 2025 meeting of the Executive Committee of Senate, which reviewed growing complaints from students, faculty, and administrative staff about misconduct by class representatives across USL campuses.
According to the university’s Directorate of Communication and International Relations, some class representatives had been accused of extortion, soliciting bribes in exchange for grades or favours, intimidating peers, and exploiting students financially in the name of administrative coordination.
Over the years, multiple reports have emerged alleging that some class representatives acted as informal intermediaries between students and lecturers, sometimes facilitating unethical transactions including grade manipulation, preferential treatment, and payment for examination privileges. These practices, university officials say, have contributed to declining academic integrity, student distrust, and a culture of corruption in parts of the institution.
“The Senate noted that the class representative system, which was originally intended to enhance communication between staff and students, has instead become a breeding ground for malpractice,” said a senior university source familiar with the decision.
USL management emphasized that the new policy aims to restore fairness, accountability, and professionalism in academic administration. Professor Lebbie has tasked Deans of Faculties with monitoring compliance and ensuring that lecturers maintain direct engagement with students without intermediaries.
University insiders say the move is part of broader institutional reforms designed to strengthen integrity and restore public confidence in Sierra Leone’s oldest higher learning institution.
The announcement was signed by Dr. Tonya Musa, Director of Communications and International Relations at USL, who reaffirmed management’s commitment to transparency and ethical academic leadership.
By Jusufu Fomba
