The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has completed a three-day retreat aimed at reviewing key administrative and management policies. The retreat was steered by Dr. Hindowa B. Momoh, Director of Policy, and focused on addressing gaps in current policies while aligning them with international standards.
The University Management highlighted the need to revise outdated or inactive policies and introduce new ones to meet current challenges, especially those related to digital technologies, artificial intelligence, social media, and the use of the Campus Management System.
One major focus was the development of a comprehensive Assets Management Policy to ensure transparency in resource use and improve record-keeping on university assets and campus-generated revenue. Challenges in tracking assets and managing research grants were also discussed.
The retreat emphasized the importance of reviving the University Research Directorate and integrating the Research Innovation Support Office (RISO) into a more inclusive governance structure to promote research and innovation.
Dr. Momoh stressed the need to form dedicated committees to monitor policy implementation and make the policies accessible to both students and staff.
The review also called for the creation of a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit within the University Planning Directorate. This unit would track the performance of research, administrative, and strategic initiatives, separate from the Quality Assurance Unit. Several key documents are still under review, including the Finance Management Manual, Procurement Manual, Research Grant Management Manual, and
