Students Against Corruption- Sierra Leone

A cross-section of the Executive of the Students Against Corruption (SAC) – Fourah Bay College (FBC) Chapter, led by the National President, Swaray Joseph Senesie, today paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Professor Andrew Baio.

The purpose was to formally introduce the organization to him and explore avenues through which the College and SAC can collaborate to combat corruption and promote a culture of integrity, honesty, and accountability within the campus community.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on the importance of instilling ethical values among students, strengthening awareness on corruption-related issues, and encouraging active student participation in promoting transparency, responsible leadership, and good governance within the institution. Discussions also touched on the proposed launch of the SAC-FBC Chapter and the role it will play in advancing the fight against corruption among students.

The SAC delegation reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a positive force in promoting integrity and accountability within academic institutions while supporting initiatives that contribute to the creation of a corruption-free learning environment.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for granting us the opportunity to engage in this fruitful discussion and for his willingness to explore areas of collaboration in advancing the values of transparency and ethical leadership at Fourah Bay College.

Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone_Official
Francis Ben Kaifala
National Union of Sierra Leone Students-NUSS
FBC STUDENTS' UNION GOVERNMENT
Fourah Bay College (F.B.C.), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown. Friends
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone
Ministry Of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Sylvia Olayinka Blyden

ACC DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CHALLENGES NJALA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO MAKE INTEGRITY THEIR "SECOND DNA"

29th May, 2026

By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Officer, ACC

The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday-Ngobie, has challenged students of Njala University, Bo Campus, to make integrity their "second DNA" and embrace accountability as a way of life if they are to contribute meaningfully to building the Sierra Leone they desire.

He made the call on Friday, 29th May 2026, while delivering a Public Lecture organized by the Students' Union Government (SUG), Njala University, Bo Campus, in collaboration with Students Against Corruption (SAC), under the theme: “The Sierra Leone We Want to See” at the Great Hall, Torwama Campus, Bo.

Speaking on the topic, “Students as Catalysts for Building the Sierra Leone We Want: Advancing Integrity, Accountability and National Transformation,” Mr. Ngobie emphasized that Sierra Leone's future will depend not only on the academic qualifications of its citizens but also on their character, values, and commitment to ethical leadership.

Describing the engagement as a homecoming, the Deputy Commissioner reflected on his years at Njala University, where he served as Secretary General of the Students' Union Government during the 1998/1999 academic year. He expressed pride in returning to his alma mater to engage students on issues central to national development and good governance.

Drawing inspiration from former United States President Barack Obama's famous assertion that “Africa does not need strong men; it needs strong institutions,” Mr. Ngobie noted that strong institutions can only thrive when led by individuals of integrity, competence, patriotism, and accountability.

He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of academic dishonesty, including examination malpractice, plagiarism, bribery, and other unethical practices that undermine merit and weaken institutions. He urged students to uphold honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility throughout their academic and professional lives, warning that corruption in educational programmes remains an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Public Relations Officer of Njala University, Ayuba Koroma who chaired the event highlighted the importance of exposing students to accomplished national leaders and public officials, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities for students to interrogate national issues and broaden their understanding of leadership and governance.

In his statement, the President of the Students' Union Government, Dassay Musa Senesie, described the Deputy Commissioner as a distinguished public servant whose illustrious career and unwavering commitment to national service continue to inspire young people. He thanked Ngobie for honouring the invitation and noted that students were privileged to learn from his wealth of experience.

The lecture attracted students, university administrators, members of Students Against Corruption, and staff of the Anti-Corruption Commission. It culminated in an interactive plenary session during which participants engaged the Deputy Commissioner on issues relating to integrity, governance, accountability, corruption prevention, and national development.

At the conclusion of the programme, the Students' Union Government conducted the Deputy Commissioner and ACC delegation on a tour of its ongoing canteen construction project. Impressed by the initiative and its potential benefits to the student community, Mr. Ngobie made a personal donation towards the project, reaffirming his commitment to supporting youth development and student-led initiatives.

Present at the event were the ACC's Coordinator of Operations, Patrick Sandi; Regional Director, Kono Region, Andrew Demby Esq.; Acting Director, Bo Office, Michael Sesay; Deputy Director, Public Education, Sylvanus Blake and other staff of the Commission.

The engagement forms part of the Commission’s continued efforts to promote integrity education, strengthen youth participation in the fight against corruption, and cultivate a generation of ethical leaders committed to national transformation.

Augustine Foday-Ngobie

©️ Public Relations Unit, ACC

*SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION AUGUSTINE FODAY NGOBIE TO STUDENTS OF NJALA UNIVERSITY ON THE TOPIC: ‘STUDENTS AS CATALYST FOR BUILDING THE SIERRA LEONE WE WANT: ADVANCING INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION’ ON 29TH MAY, 2026.*

*The Protocols*

I respectfully honour and greet everyone present.

I give honour and adoration to God Almighty for bringing us all here today hale and hearty. I extend my thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio for the confidence reposed in me to appoint -and reappoint- me as the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission. I also thank the President and his government for the massive support given to the Commission over the years, and for ensuring that we operate with the independence befitting of an anti-graft agency.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you warm greetings from the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq – a young man whose exemplary and insightful leadership has brought landmark reforms to the work and mission of the Commission since he took its reins in 2018.

He has delivered inspiring public lectures at all major university campuses across the country to empower and hearten young men and women to adopt positive character and play meaningful roles in our country’s transformation drive; and not beguile time on the sidelines of governance and remain passive spectators.

I must state that I am more than delighted to be here to convey similar aspirations, and I am deeply thankful to the student body and the administration of this distinguished university for providing me the platform to do so. I thank you all for being here in numbers.

For me, this is a home-coming, so do not just see me as the current Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, but also as a proud alumnus of this great institution.

I was here in the late nineties, and not as a plebian student but went as far as serving as the Secretary General of the Students’ Union Government for the 1998/1999 academic year. So, I am immeasurably proud to call this institution my alma mater. Also, I was here between 2010 and 2012 for my postgraduate studies.

*Introduction*

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to speak on the topic: _*‘Students as Catalysts for Building the Sierra Leone We Want: Advancing Integrity, Accountability, and National Transformation’.*_ I couched this topic, urged by the significant role of the university in training and turning out every year graduates set to assume positions of trust and other roles in the functioning of our society.

But before that, permit me to remind you of the prudent words of an accomplished statesman and former president of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama. In his address to the Ghanaian parliament on 11 July 2009, he said and I quote _*‘Africa does not need strong men; it needs strong institutions.’*_

This memorable line denotes that African nations should not and do not need to depend on the _*‘benevolence of strong men’*_ who wield tremendous power and influence, take decisions by their whims and caprices, and exploit the wealth of their countries for personal gain.

Conversely, Africa needs a social structural engineering that establishes strong institutions that uphold checks and balances, hold leaders accountable, prevent bribery and corruption, and cater for the needs and aspirations of citizens.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I should emphasise that _*‘strong institutions’*_ are not driven by autopilots – automatic steering devices. They are run by individuals with proven records of probity, individuals of integrity, individuals with the desire to pursue national interest above all else – patriotic individuals.

I am sure that as we are battling to address our present social challenges as a nation, we do not wish to confront future ones by failing to prepare well the next generation of leaders, by failing to instil in the youth – our students – the values they need to be a productive part of the structural shifts our beloved nation is undergoing.

We must continue to build our national human capital today for a better future for all. And we cannot afford to leave our dear students out of the process.

*Putting Integrity in Perspective*

As I speak to you today, I want to particularly draw your attention to integrity, accountability, and our collective national transformation drive.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, integrity, in its simplest form, is the attribute of doing what is right without being watched or, say, supervised. It is the quality of being consistently honest or truthful even in the face of external influences pressing you to do otherwise.

Unfortunately, this attribute is under attack and eroding fast. We must face the fact that the university, the institution that sits at the apogee of our education systems, is under a stubborn invasion of academic dishonesty or academic malpractice, an existential threat to its very foundation and purpose.

Examination fraud is complex and takes place in various forms: if exam questions are not leaked beforehand, cheating is smoothly coordinated during exams by using unauthorised material known as _*‘ngegba’*_ for the most part. Post-exam cheating entails the alteration of lower grades for higher grades directly on the answer sheet, or at the exams office. These furtive transactions are often, if not always, instigated by various forms of bribes from students.

As a seasoned investigator I have investigated cases here involving what I will call _*‘super students’*_ who engaged in all types of fraudulent financial activities. With the active collusion of staff of the Finance Office of the university, the so-called _*‘super students’*_ used to fraudulently collect fees from their colleagues, duplicate bank slips and obtain receipts. The fees collected by those _*‘super students’*_ never get paid into the university’s account, thereby depriving the institution of much-needed revenue.

As an alumnus of this institution, I also know that there are cases of students sometimes hiring the service of lecturers- or even people outside the university- to write their dissertations or theses. A case in point was when I was here as a postgraduate student, a lecturer offered to write my thesis for a fee. I was writing on the topic _*“Corruption in Public Procurement: Sierra Leone Police as a Case Study”.*_ My decision to reject the offer and write the thesis myself was one of the greatest decisions I ever made as a student.

Why did I say this? Undertaking a research of this nature helped expose me to a lot of things related to public procurement. It made me to get a clear and deeper understanding of the processes involved in public procurement. It also helped me to know that each of those processes- from the needs assessment, submission of bids to the award of the procurement contract, disposal of assets, are all prone to corruption. The knowledge acquired in the course of writing the thesis was greatly utilized in my work as investigation officer. This is why some of us treat corruption in the education sector with the seriousness that it deserves.

But as already demonstrated, corruption in academia is by no means a new phenomenon. It has been around for quite a long time. But recent advances in technology in the form of android phones and tablets have expanded the practice and made it a thriving underworld. This is a concern. And it is a serious one.

There is a related practice that seems less talked about than cheating in exams – plagiarism. With the availability of internet and interactive apps like Chat GPT, writing term papers, theses, or dissertation has become a leisure trip. It is now hardly the research work required of students to broaden their learning experience to add to academic knowledge.

*The Effects of Corruption*

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, corruption and corrupt practices such as those mentioned above, and many others, seriously impact the credibility of the university. But such practices do not occur in isolation. They occur as a result of monopoly of resources, societal pressure, and lack of adequate, transparent and strong safeguards, among others. When these practices are left unchecked, the consequences are often dire.

Graduates from a university with a ruined image will find it more difficult to find jobs in an already highly competitive job market than their peers.

If they do manage to navigate their way to secure jobs at all, they will always perform below the expectations of their employers. Consequently, their self-esteem will plummet as they soon realise they lack the requisite skills, experience, and knowledge to perform.

When corruption creeps into in the hidden curriculum of the university and left unchecked, there is usually a formation and tacit approval of misleading beliefs such as _*‘Connections supersede qualifications and competence’ and ‘Osai den tai kaw na de e de it’ (A cow graces where it is tethered).*_

Let me note here that the reason for establishing the university is to serve as the engine of knowledge, truth, order, and meaning in diverse fields or disciplines to address the challenges of society and enhance its transformation. Sadly, the existential threat of corruption poses an ugly stumbling block to this grand ambition.

The graver impact will be seen when unqualified and incompetent graduates take over the running of our public institutions. Before long, our institutions will be white elephants despite government budget allocations to keep them working. And rather than reduce, our social and economic issues will compound and cause hardship for everyone. The consequences of unethical conduct in our higher education tier can be far-fetched, and that is a desperate concern needing our collective efforts to change the narrative.

Any wonder why the Anti-Corruption Commission has escalated efforts to collaborate with the relevant institutions to monitor all public exams? And I believe that those who cheat in public exams are much likely going to continue doing so at the university.

I should underscore that _*Section 128 (3) of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act 2019 makes it an offence for anyone who engages in an act of corruption in an educational program to confer undue advantage on himself or herself or another person.*_

It further stipulates in _*Subsection (4) that upon conviction, offenders are liable to pay a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand New Leones (Le 50000) on one count of corruption or a minimum prison term of five years. Both penalties can be concurrently served.*_

At this juncture, I implore you all to work as hard as you can to guard against academic dishonesty - and other forms of corruption. Embrace academic integrity instead by upholding and defending fundamental values such as honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. These values will serve as the touchstones of your academic success and ready you to positively impact your communities and the society in general.

This prestigious university has worked hard to earn its name since it was established in 1964 as Njala University College. It has been ranked three times (2021, 2025, and 2026) as the top university in Sierra Leone by AD Scientific Index, mainly due to its strong research output, publications, and emphasis on agriculture, technology, and science.

I encourage you to uphold this culture of excellent performance at all cost, at all times, even after graduation.

*Putting Accountability in Perspectives*

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, it will seem only half the job done if I fail to mention an equally valuable attribute in this address - accountability. Primarily, this has to do with being bold enough to take responsibility for one’s actions, to take ownership of the decisions you make as well as their outcomes.

Simple as it may seem, the word is frequently used in development and good governance discourse today and has been recommended as a prerequisite to quality leadership. You may have noticed by now that integrity and accountability are close relations. The former is the intrinsic or internal compass that fosters and controls the latter. In other words, accountability is borne out of integrity; thus, a lack of integrity is a lack of accountability.

Let me remind you that even at this level you are leaders and you are expected to give account of the decisions and actions you take. The Student Union Government (SUG), for example, must be seen to answer to the concerns and aspirations of the entire student body, and be ready to explain the consequences of their actions.

The same caution goes for the Class Representative, who liaises between students and lecturers. Unfortunately, this role, for the most part, has been downgraded to coordinating academic malpractices and other corrupt practices on campuses.

True leaders take responsibility and do not play blame-shifting. When leaders readily own their mistakes and improve their performance, they exhibit honesty and transparency which, in turn, fosters development and strengthens trust and confidence between them and the people they lead.

Honestly, you do not need to be a leader to be accountable. As citizens, as students, you need to be accountable as well. And you can do that in several ways: study hard to earn your grades, resist and report all forms of corruption on and out of campus to the ACC, seek information and contribute to shape governance or administrative policies, refrain from vandalism and help protect public property etc.

*Towards National Transformation*

I am sure you have not forgotten the sad chapters in our history as a people, notably systemic corruption, the consequent 11-year civil conflict that took the lives of over 50 000 people and wrecked an inestimable damage on infrastructure, the deadly outbreak of Ebola; and most recently, the outbreak of COVID 19.

The toll these disruptive incidents caused still linger. And the need for integrity and accountability cannot be overemphasised.

I call on you today, now, to not only strive for academic excellence. I agree that knowledge and skills are crucial to our transformation but values remain the sine qua non for a truly national sustainable development. Therefore, strive also for values that will guide and influence your actions and decisions. Let integrity be your second DNA.

And let accountability and transparency be real features of this blueprint while you are at university, when you assume positions of trust after in the universe, and when you eventually retire from public service.

You are the catalyst for our national systemic shift and consequent progress; the university is the engine, as I have mentioned, and it prepares future professionals and policymakers, as it supports you to inculcate civic values and form your whole personality.

At this point, I am pleased to inform you that the Anti-Corruption Commission fully understands the importance of the values I have highlighted. As a corruption prevention approach, the Commission supports Ministries Departments Agencies (MDAs) and Local Councils to adhere to best practices guided by integrity, accountability, and transparency.

In 2025, for example, the Commission carried out 7 Corruption Risk Assessments and Systems Reviews, developed 8 anti-corruption policies, examined 20 Ethics and Integrity Score Cards, and reviewed 3 Service Delivery Charters. All aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in service delivery.

In addition, under the implementation of the technology-driven 5th Generation National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), over 80% of MDAs nationwide have been monitored to check their rate of compliance with assigned objectives. Further, more Integrity Management Committees have been established to strengthen accountability and ethics across public institutions.

*The Conclusion*

As I conclude, let me remind you that integrity and accountability are bedfellows with quality education. A lack of either strips education of its true value and purpose. Therefore, embrace them and acquit yourselves well in your studies. The nation and the universe are waiting for you to lead, to profer solutions to the issues that tend to re**rd our collective progress, to hold the torch of patriotism for the generation after you.

You do not have to wait till tomorrow. Start now. Do that which is right without anyone watching and take responsibility for your every action as you go through your various courses. You are the dynamo to move this country forward, and your character is as important as your education in transforming Sierra Leone.

The dynamic Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi, of blessed memory, once said and I quote _*‘Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, and your values become your destiny.’*_

Do not forget these words. Let integrity and accountability be your values. With them, the destiny of Sierra Leone and the world at large will be bright and so will yours.

Thank you very much for listening. May God bless you all.

Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone_Official
Francis Ben Kaifala
Njala University, Bo Campus Friends
National Union of Sierra Leone Students-NUSS

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Njala University, Bo Campus, in collaboration with Students Against Corruption Njala University Bo Campus Chapter will tomorrow 29/05/2026, at Great Hall, Torwama, host the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mr. Augustine Foday Ngobie, for a Public Lecture centered on integrity, accountability, and national transformation.

The lecture, themed “The Sierra Leone We Want to See,” will provide an important platform for intellectual engagement and meaningful discussions on the role of students and young people in promoting transparency, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship in Sierra Leone.

SAC-SL remains committed to fostering awareness and empowering students to become active advocates for accountability and positive change within their institutions and communities. We encourage students, stakeholders and members of the public to be part of this impactful lecture.

Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone_Official
Francis Ben Kaifala
National Union of Sierra Leone Students-NUSS
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Njala University, Bo Campus Friends
Ministry Of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone

Today, cross-section of the executive of SAC-FBC Chapter held a fruitful engagement with the Sierra Leone Debating Council (SLDC)–FBC Chapter, centered on strengthening collaboration and promoting intellectual discourse among students.

This engagement marks the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable partnership centered on debates, public speaking, awareness campaigns, and impactful student-centered initiatives

FBC STUDENTS' UNION GOVERNMENT
Francis Ben Kaifala
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone
Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone_Official
Ministry Of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education

We extend heartfelt congratulations to Christiana Lansana, former President SAC-FBC Chapter on her graduation from Ohio University (USA), with a Master’s degree in Communication and Development Studies. Your leadership and dedication continue to inspire us. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.

FBC STUDENTS' UNION GOVERNMENT
National Union of Sierra Leone Students-NUSS
Maada Lans

STUDENTS AGAINST CORRUPTION (SAC) IPAM CHAPTER

On behalf of the Students Against Corruption (SAC) IPAM Chapter, we proudly join all Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad in celebrating the Independence Day of our beloved nation, Sierra Leone.

Today marks another year of freedom, unity, and national pride since April 27, 1961. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices of our forefathers and foremothers who fought for our independence and to appreciate the progress our country has made.

As students and future leaders, we believe that true independence also means freedom from corruption, injustice, and dishonesty. Therefore, we encourage every citizen, especially the youth, to continue promoting integrity, accountability, transparency, and patriotism in all we do.

Let us use this special day to renew our commitment to building a better Sierra Leone where opportunities are fair, resources are protected, and development benefits all citizens.
Together, we can create a nation we will all be proud of.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Sierra Leone!

IPAM University of Sierra Leone
IPAM Ministry Of Information and Communications SUG

Today, as we celebrate our nation’s Independence, we reflect with pride on the sacrifices of our forefathers who fought for freedom, dignity, and self-determination. Independence was not merely the lowering of one flag and the raising of another, it was the birth of hope, the promise of justice, and the foundation for a better future.

However, as we celebrate, we must also confront a pressing challenge that threatens the very essence of our independence.

Corruption undermines development, weakens institutions, and robs citizens, especially the youth, of opportunities. It diverts resources meant for education, healthcare, and national growth into the hands of a few. If left unchecked, it erodes the dreams upon which this nation was built.

As students and future leaders of Sierra Leone, we carry a great responsibility. We must rise above complacency and commit ourselves to integrity, accountability, and transparency. Our classrooms should not only produce graduates but citizens of character, individuals who will stand firm against corruption in all it forms.

Let us understand that the fight against corruption does not begin in government offices alone, it begins with us in our daily choices, in our honesty during examinations, and in our respect for fairness and justice.

On this significant day, let us renew our commitment to building a Sierra Leone where merit prevails over favoritism, where public trust is uphold, and where leadership is defined by service, not self-interest.

In conclusion, true independence is not only about freedom from colonial rule, rather it is about freedom from corruption, injustice, and inequality. Let us, as the youth of this great nation, be the generation that turns the tide and secures a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous Sierra Leone.

A truly independent Sierra Leone is one where integrity leads, and corruption falls 😊

May God bless Sierra Leone, and may integrity guide our path forward.

Best Regards:
Student against Corruption (FBC-CHAPTER)

FBC STUDENTS' UNION GOVERNMENT

Today, FBC Campus, the SAC-SL Administration engaged the National Executive in a productive meeting aimed at strengthening coordination and advancing the organization’s mission.

Discussions focused on reviewing ongoing activities, enhancing collaboration, and identifying strategic ways to provide effective support across all levels. The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity, purposeful planning, and delivering meaningful results.

The Students Against Corruption Sierra Leone, is pleased to announce Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, former Minister of Social Welfare, has been selected as the Integrity Ambassador of the Month for March 2026.

This recognition is in appreciation of her unwavering commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, as well as her consistent advocacy for good governance and her courage in speaking out against corruption.

We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and commend her continued dedication to national development and the promotion of integrity across Sierra Leone.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education
IPAM Ministry Of Information and Communications SUG
National Council for Civic Education and Democracy
Ministry Of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone
Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone_Official