The Public Account Committee headed by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas met with the Permanent Secretary and other staff of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to clarify issues of concerned.
At a conference room issues of irregularity within the higher education ministry were clarified.
According to the speaker the Permanent Secretary including officers at the Ministry had failed to submit the ministry documents to the auditors for 2022 audit exercise.
During the meeting the Permanent Secretary responded that they did submit the documents to the auditors but he was asked by the deputy speaker to submit any evidence of such claimed but he couldn’t provide any evidence then.
Such action coupled with a gross negligence in supplying science equipment to schools which were lacking proper facilities, and this underscores a troubling pattern of mismanagement and dishonesty within the ministry, said the lawmaker.
The absence of contract documents for the 2022 audit report was not merely an administrative oversight, and it was a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability, lawmakers have said.
Without proper documentation, there was no way to ensure that public funds were used appropriately and efficiently. The lawmaker said lack of transparency erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the ministry.
To acclaiming to pre-funded a government projects and supply 80 pages books instead of 120 pages to school children has not only totally shown dishonest but corrupt practices being manifested by the ministry, he said.
“Furthermore, the failure to supply science equipment to schools in need is a betrayal to school children who rely on these resources for their education.”
“Science education is crucial for preparing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, and denying school children access to essential equipment deprives them of valuable learning opportunities,” a statement said.
This neglect, his statement continues, not only hampers academic progress but also perpetuates inequality by widening the gap between well-equipped schools and those lacking basic resources.
It is evident that corruption within the ministry of Technical and Higher Education has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the present but also the future of Sierra Leone and the Free Quality Education which is a flagship program of President Julius Maada Bio.
The diversion of public funds and resources to contractors who are not qualified and knowledgeable is a corrupt practices and even deprived the nation of much-needed investment in education, hindering socioeconomic development and perpetuating poverty.
Addressing corruption within the ministry requires swift and decisive action. The Anti-Corruption Commission ( ACC) and the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on education should treat this issue with seriousness and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Additionally, reforms must be implemented to strengthen transparency and oversight mechanisms, ensuring that such egregious misconduct does not recur.
Sierra Leone cannot afford to allow corruption to undermine its education system any longer. It is imperative that the government takes decisive steps to root out corruption and rebuild trust in the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, prioritizing the welfare and future of its students above all else.