Dr. Saidu Kanu, determined to end cultism
The Principal of the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic, Dr. Saidu Kanu on 9th July 2015 vowed “to crush cultism and fraternity on campus head-on” revealing that the institution is now the hub of cultism. (Photo: MMCE &T Principal Vows To Crush Cultism)
The Principal, who was addressing staff, administration and students during the General Assembly at the college’s Great Hall, Goderich in Freetown, lamented that the unfortunate increase in cultism and fraternity on campus in addition to money, negotiation and sex for grades, all have the tendency to disrupt the academic performance of students and create chaos underscoring that the issue is now a concern to the administration, lecturers and students.
He revealed that on 14th June this year, a violent initiation took place on campus at night involving some lecturers during which female students were raped for which the police is investigating the matter intimating that students are lured to be initiated with promises of free grades, protection and jobs after graduation but warned that people who offer bribes and those who receive are equally culpable.
Dr. Saidu Kanu also asserted that cultism is a worrying development at the college’s Goderich Campus for which the administration, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Polytechnic Council, has suspended the activities of the Students’ Union in all three campuses until further notice.
He clarified that it was never his intention to disrupt Students’ Union activities when he assumed office in October 2014 “but is bound to do so to create the enabling learning environment. I want to assure all that as soon as modalities are put in place, the ban will be lifted.
He also pledged that the friendly public engagements with staff, administration and students, which he described as the “open Government approach” would continue as it creates the enabling environment for frank and salient discussions with all stakeholders.
The Principal further recalled that Sierra Leone was a proud nation to emulate and was referred to as the Athens of West Africa during which period people were diligent, honest with self-esteem and love for their professions but that today, society is infested with dishonesty, rape, lack of integrity and compromise for everything that has resulted to the dismal performance of staff and students.
Dr. Kanu however commended some hardworking staff and students reiterating that the rampant trading in grades for sex is unethical as it has resulted to some students not attending classes and doing their assignments thus graduating and disgracefully misrepresenting the college.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Education has raised the issue with the college administration emphasizing that sexual harassment is rampant on campus and informed that in collaboration with the Reach in for the Stars (RIFTS), plans are underway to establish a Secretariat and Coordinating Unit to address the issue as posterity would judge them harshly if they fail to take action.
The Acting Vice Principal and Director of Studies, MMCE & T, Mrs. Maude Regina Peacock disclosed that the Teacher Code of Conduct, that is gathering dust on the shelves of schools, would be integrated into the curriculum of all the programs at MMCE & T as was unanimously adopted at the last Academic Board Meeting.
She continued that the decision was stoutly adopted by Mr. Sylvester Meheux, Chairman of the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools and members of the Academic Board.
The General Assembly is a strategy for interaction between students, the administration and staff. It is held terminally in the three campuses of the college.
The General Assembly also brings students face to face with the administration during which pertinent issues relating to the smooth running of the institution and the welfare of students are discussed.
Among others, the Principal promised to review the curriculum of 24 modules, provide regular electricity and water supply on campus, adequate lecture halls and hostels as well as maintain a proper dress code for students but reiterated his zero-tolerance against cultism.
The Senior Deputy Registrar of the college, Mr. David Kai-Rogers, chaired the well-attended event.
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