By Richmond B. Tholley
On the 17th of October 2024, there was tension at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) campus in the Northern City of Makeni.
Scores of students from the aforementioned university were seen staging a demonstration and protesting against the removal of the 30% continuous assessment grades from their overall examination results. The protest, which took place on campus, saw hundreds of students voicing their displeasure and calling for the reinstatement of the assessment structure that was a crucial part of their academic grading.
The demonstration was sparked by the recent changes in the university’s assessment policy, with the administration deciding to eliminate the continuous assessment portion of students’ grades. This has left many students feeling frustrated, as the 30% previously contributed significantly to their overall performance.
“We need our continuous assessment back,” one of the protesting students was heard saying.
According to the aggrieved students, the 30% portion of the assessment grades in each of the academic modules were helpful to ease their academic load and that the decision by administration to remove it will negatively affect them.
Another key demand from the students was for the university to restore its former glory. According to the students, the recent administrative changes have led to a decline in academic standards, and they, as students, have felt dissatisfied over the said action.
“The university used to have a reputation for excellence, but now we are struggling,” said a second-year student from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
A particularly vocal group within the protest came from the Development Studies Department, which had recently been relocated to Magburaka.
One student expressed disappointment, saying, “Our department has been moved to the secretariat in Magburaka, and we want it back in Makeni. It is difficult for us to continue our studies because of the distance.”
As the situation remains worrisome, the University Public Relations Department has issued a public notice urging students to remain calm.
According to the notice authored by Alimamy Mamoud Larkoh, the university’s assistant public relations officer, the vice chancellor is aware of the concerns of the students.
“I would like to address the concerns raised regarding the recent court decision to remove the 30% continuous assessment component. Please be assured that top management is aware of these concerns,” the notice reads in part.
The Vice Chancellor, the notice continued, is committed to addressing the concerns of the students.
“Our Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Rev. Professor Edwin JJ Momoh, is committed to the development of all students and is attentive to their needs,” the notice reads.
The decision to remove the continuous assessment, the university said in its notice, was made by the court, which is the highest authority at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology.
However, sources indicate that an internal investigation is underway to address the students concerns. It remains unclear whether the administration will reconsider its decision on the continuous assessment grade or the relocation of the Development Studies Department.
The situation at EBKUST is still developing, and students have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. As the investigation unfolds, this medium has been lately informed about a press conference on Tuesday where the issue at hand would be clarified by the administration.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and a plethora of media organizations have been invited by the university administration to witness the conference.
