Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Students at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) have raised serious concerns after several of their colleagues were allegedly expelled from examination halls due to outstanding tuition fees.
The incident, which occurred during the ongoing exam period, has sparked frustration among students and renewed calls for government intervention.
According to affected students, they were prevented from sitting for their exams despite efforts to negotiate payment timelines and appeals for leniency based on financial hardship.
“We understand the need for institutions to collect fees,” said a final-year student, “but throwing students out of exams is extreme and unfair, especially when many of us are struggling financially. Education is supposed to be a right, not a privilege.”
The students argue that the actions taken by IPAM contradict President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship “Education for All” campaign, which promised to make education accessible and inclusive for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of economic background.
“It’s disheartening,” said another student. “We feel abandoned. After all the talk about free and inclusive education, we’re being punished for being poor.”
The students are calling on the Minister of Higher and Technical Education to investigate the matter urgently and ensure that no student is denied access to examinations due to inability to pay fees on time.
Meanwhile, sources within IPAM have defended the institution’s actions, stating that the enforcement of fee payment policies is necessary to keep the university running. An administrative staff member, speaking anonymously, explained that delays in fee payments have strained the institution’s operations and that students were notified multiple times prior to exams.
“We sympathize with the students,” the official said. “But we also need funds to pay staff, keep the facilities open, and provide academic services. It’s a difficult balance.”
Despite this, student unions and advocacy groups argue that more compassionate and student-centered approaches are needed. They are proposing the introduction of flexible payment plans, government-backed student support schemes, and clearer communication around fee policies.
As tensions rise, students hope that the Ministry of Education will step in to mediate a solution that prioritizes access to education while addressing institutional sustainability.
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