By: Alie Badara in Bo
From the recent evaluation report on Dr. Alieu Mohamed Bah’s three-year stewardship as Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of Njala University highlights significant findings that ultimately led to his relief from office, following a general consensus from the university court committee on the need for renewal and appointment of deputy vice Chancellors.
This article elucidates the committee’s findings, interpretations, and recommendations; all of which warrant serious attention moving forward.
The university court committee undertook a comprehensive review of Dr. Bah’ term, analyzing appraisal submitted by deans, the student union president, and the vice chancellor and principal (VC&P).
This process included a face-to face interview with Dr. Bah thereby allowing for a holistic assessment of his performance.
The evaluation highlighted several critical issues:
- Poor working Relationship: There was a noted lack of collaboration between Dr. Bah and his immediate supervisor (the VC&P), as well as with deans and heads of departments.
This discord raises serious concerns about his managerial and team-building capabilities.
- Unfair Financial Practices: The distribution of financial resources allocated to Njala Campus appeared unequal and problematic, with no reported returns to the VC&P during the three-year period.
- Increased Insecurity: The three year term saw a noticeable rise in insecurity one the Njala Campus, raising questions about Dr. Bah’s effectiveness in ensuring a safe academic environment.
- Interview Performance: The grade Dr. Bah, received during his interview, was notably low, further emphasizing the committee’s concerns.
The findings reveal a multifaceted failure in leadership:
* Dr. Bah’s strained relationships highlight a critical shortcoming in his ability to foster teamwork and unity amongst staff.
This is detrimental to the collaborative spirit that is essential for a thriving academic community.
* Financial irregularities and lack of transparency which reflects not only poor governance but potentially serious improprieties that could affect the university’s reputation and operational integrity.
The decision to restrict access to the student union’s account raises ethical questions and demonstrates a disregard for student governance.
In light of the findings, the committee made the following recommendations:
- Declare a vacancy: The committee advised the immediate declaration of a vacancy for the DVC position at Njala Campus.
- Invite Application: They recommended inviting applications from suitably qualified Sierra Leoneans for the DVC role without delay.
On February 6, 2026, a significant transition of leadership occurred at Njala University.
Professor Allieu Mohamed Bah officially handed over his responsibilities as DVC to Professor Patrick Sawyer, who will serve as the caretaker DVC while the vacancy is being advertised in leading newspapers throughout Sierra Leone.
The transition aligns with the university court’s orders and reflects a commitment to addressing the reported concerns regarding Dr. Bah’s performance.
In the wake of Dr. Bah’s departure, views from various stakeholders within the university community have emerged.
Some stakeholders, choosing to remain anonymous, expressed optimism that the recent changes will contribute to a healthier, more productive university environment.
They also expressed belief that addressing the leadership vacuum will foster peaceful coexistence and improve the operational ethos of Njala University.
The evaluation report serves as a crucial document in understanding the dynamics and challenges faced during Dr. Allieu Mohamed Bah’s tenure as Deputy Vice Chancellor at Njala University.
The findings not only reflect on his performance but also provide a roadmap for the future leadership structure of the institution.
As the university takes steps to restore confidence and enhance its governance, the upcoming appointment of a new DVC is pivotal in steering Njala University toward a more fruitful and inclusive academic environment.