University of Makeni Degree Revocation
The University of Makeni (UniMak) in Sierra Leone has revoked degrees from two former students, Ms. Fatmata R. Sesay (Human Resource, 2022) and Abdul Karim S. Kanu (Law, 2021), following a Senate resolution on July 6, 2025. The action stemmed from a complaint by the Chinese Embassy, which uncovered falsified transcripts used in a scholarship application for Sierra Leonean students. An investigation confirmed the fraud, with both individuals admitting guilt.
UniMak’s Director of Academic Affairs, Rev. Fr. Dr. George P. Ernest Gbamanja, emphasized the decision’s role in safeguarding the university’s credibility and the integrity of honest students’ efforts. Registrar Foday Augustine Bangura noted the revocation is final, with notifications sent to relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Chinese Embassy, and accrediting bodies.
This rare case in Sierra Leone’s higher education highlights UniMak’s zero-tolerance stance on academic misconduct, reinforcing commitments to honesty and professionalism.
The University of Makeni's firm response to academic misconduct sets a strong precedent in Sierra Leone's educational sector. Academic integrity is foundational to the credibility and reputation of any institution, and UniMak’s zero-tolerance policy underscores the importance of honest scholarship and fair academic evaluation. Cases like this one, where degrees are revoked due to submission of falsified transcripts, highlight the challenges universities face in maintaining standards amid competitive scholarship programs. The involvement of the Chinese Embassy demonstrates the international dimension of such academic integrity efforts, as many scholarships aim to provide opportunities for students abroad. It is crucial that these processes remain transparent and truthful to preserve trust between institutions and international partners. For students and applicants, this case serves as an important reminder about the consequences of academic fraud. The revocation of the degrees of Ms. Fatmata R. Sesay and Abdul Karim S. Kanu following their admission of guilt reinforces that unethical behavior can severely impact one’s academic and professional future. Furthermore, UniMak’s notification to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and accrediting bodies ensures that revoked degrees are officially recognized as void, preventing misuse of credentials. This contributes to the broader effort to maintain a credible academic environment in Sierra Leone. Institutions worldwide are increasingly adopting robust measures to detect and prevent academic misconduct, including digital verification of transcripts and stricter application scrutiny. The University of Makeni is contributing positively to this global trend by demonstrating decisive governance and commitment to quality education. Students and alumni should view honesty and professionalism not just as compliance requirements but as vital values that support personal development and societal progress. Academic institutions thriving on such values build stronger communities and enhance the value of their qualifications on international platforms. Overall, this incident and the University of Makeni’s transparent handling reaffirm the importance of vigilance and accountability in academic affairs, encouraging other institutions to uphold similar high standards.