The University of Makeni (UniMak) has formally revoked the academic degrees of two of its former students after investigations confirmed that they engaged in academic fraud by submitting falsified transcripts in a foreign scholarship competition.
At its sitting on July 6, 2025, the University Senate unanimously resolved to withdraw the certificates of Ms. Fatmata R. Sesay from the Department of Human Resource (awarded March 19, 2022) and Mr. Abdul Karim S. Kanu from the Department of Law (awarded March 20, 2021).
The action followed a formal notification from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone, which reported that the two had presented fraudulent documents to gain an unfair advantage in a scholarship scheme for Sierra Leonean students.
A Senate Investigation Committee was immediately convened to examine the matter. After a detailed inquiry, the committee confirmed that the documents were falsified, and further review revealed additional irregularities. During the proceedings, both individuals admitted to the allegations.
Speaking on the development, Rev. Fr. Dr. George P. Ernest Gbamanja, Director of Academic Affairs at UniMak, stressed that the University views academic integrity as non-negotiable.
“This was a very painful but necessary decision,” he said. “The credibility of our academic awards is at the core of UniMak’s mission. Any act that undermines that credibility not only damages our reputation but also jeopardizes the future of honest students who work hard to earn their qualifications. The Senate had no option but to act firmly.”
Registrar Mr. Foday Augustine Bangura also emphasized that the decision is final and binding, and has already been communicated to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Tertiary Education Commission, the Chinese Embassy, accrediting bodies, and relevant professional institutions.
This is one of the rare occasions in Sierra Leone’s higher education history where a university has formally withdrawn degrees due to proven misconduct. Analysts say the move signals UniMak’s determination to uphold the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and professionalism.
The University reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on academic fraud and assured the public and its international partners that it will continue to protect the sanctity of its academic qualifications.
