By Mariama Bundu
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 following an investigation into examination malpractice allegations.
The action follows the cancellation of the Pre-Admission Examination for the Diploma in Nursing programme on 10 March 2026 after reports of widespread malpractice involving more than 800 candidates.
A seven-member Investigation Committee was established to examine the allegations and determine the extent of the irregularities. The Committee found that the malpractice posed a serious threat to the credibility of the admission process and undermined the institution’s academic standards.
According to the findings, eleven lecturers were investigated. Five were cleared of wrongdoing due to insufficient evidence, while six were found to have violated the University of Sierra Leone’s Examination Regulations and Staff Code of Ethics. The university accepted the recommendation that their contracts should not be renewed upon expiration.
The Committee also found six students directly involved in the malpractice and recommended disciplinary action. As a result, the students have been rusticated in line with university regulations.
COMAHS reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, stating that it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its academic programmes and producing competent healthcare professionals.
The university further assured the public that it will continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing examination malpractice and upholding academic excellence across its campuses.
