Female in Africa Questions USL's Rustication of Edwina Jamiru
Rights group Female in Africa has strongly criticized the University of Sierra Leone (USL) following its decision to rusticate Law student Edwina Hawa Jamiru for the 2026/2027 academic year, describing the sanction as disproportionate and questioning the institution's commitment to equal accountability.
Jamiru, a second-year student at Fourah Bay College's Faculty of Law, was penalized after a university disciplinary panel found her guilty of using disrespectful language against Law Dean Professor Alusine Jalloh in a WhatsApp group. The recommendation for a one-year suspension was subsequently approved by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
Official documentation indicates Jamiru acknowledged posting the messages but argued her criticisms targeted administrative decisions rather than the Dean personally. Nevertheless, the administration moved forward with the full penalty.
Responding to the verdict, Female in Africa condemned the disciplinary measure.
"The decision is too harsh!"
the organization stated, alleging that the severity of the sanction reflects an attempt to silence the student.
The advocacy group pointed to a perceived double standard, contrasting the swift disciplinary action against Jamiru with the university's response to an earlier controversy involving former lecturer Justice Momodu Jah Stevens, who was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student that resulted in a child with the very same Miss Jamiru. The organization questioned whether political affiliations influenced institutional justice.
Addressing public scrutiny surrounding Jamiru's personal life, Female in Africa urged stakeholders to protect the student's dignity and academic future rather than defining her by past controversies.
"To all mothers, Edwina is more than the story you hear about her," the group added.
Under Section 50(5) of Part IX of the Universities Act, 2021, Jamiru retains the right to appeal the disciplinary ruling to the Court of the University of Sierra Leone within 14 days of receiving formal notice.
Neither the University of Sierra Leone nor Justice Stevens had issued a public response to Female in Africa's statement at the time of reporting.
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