By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, July 8, 2026: In a sweeping disciplinary action, the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone (USL), has rusticated six students and terminated the contracts of six lecturers after an investigation confirmed widespread examination malpractice during the Pre-Admission Examination for the Diploma in Nursing programme, according to Communications Officer, COMAHS/USL.
Bai Kandeh Turay stated in a press release that the decision follows the findings of a seven-member Investigation Committee established after COMAHS cancelled the March 10, 2026, exam, which involved more than 800 candidates. Reports from the Examinations Officer and supervisors had flagged serious irregularities, prompting the probe.
The Committee concluded that the malpractice posed a grave threat to the credibility of the admission process, compromised academic standards, and undermined public confidence in the institution’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
Out of 11 lecturers investigated, five were cleared of wrongdoing. However, six were found guilty of violating the University’s Examination Regulations and Staff Code of Ethics. The Committee recommended that their contracts not be renewed, a decision now upheld by the university.
Six students were also found culpable and have been rusticated in line with disciplinary procedures.
COMAHS reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, stressing that the integrity of its assessment processes and qualifications remains fundamental to its mission of producing competent healthcare professionals.
“The University of Sierra Leone remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, fairness, and accountability,” the college said in a statement, adding that measures will be strengthened to prevent future malpractice across all campuses.