COMAHS, USL Sanction Six Lecturers, Rusticate Students Over Exam Malpractice

The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and the University of Sierra Leone (USL) have sanctioned six lecturers and rusticated six students following an investigation into allegations of examination malpractice involving the Pre Admission Examination for the Diploma in Nursing programme.

The disciplinary action follows the cancellation of the examination held on March 10, 2026, after allegations of widespread malpractice emerged during the assessment, which was taken by more than 800 candidates.

Following the cancellation, a seven-member Investigation Committee was established to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, review available evidence, and determine those responsible.

In its final report, the Committee concluded that the malpractice severely compromised the integrity of the admissions process, undermined COMAHS’ academic standards, and posed a threat to public confidence in the university’s examination and assessment systems.

The investigation involved the questioning of eleven lecturers. Five lecturers were cleared of all allegations due to insufficient evidence, while six were found guilty of breaching the University of Sierra Leone’s Examination Regulations and Staff Code of Ethics.

As part of the disciplinary measures, USL announced that the contracts of the six affected lecturers will not be renewed upon expiration.

The Committee also found six students responsible for participating in the examination malpractice. In line with the university’s disciplinary procedures, the students have been rusticated.

In a joint statement, USL and COMAHS reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining academic integrity and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractice, stressing that protecting the credibility of academic qualifications remains essential to producing competent and ethical healthcare professionals.