The Freetown Teachers College is deemed as one of the most peaceful in the country. But that impression has been marred by a spontaneous chaos with students striking against their Principal Dr.Fille. He has been at the helm of affairs for the past four (4) years.
The reason for the strike according to the students has been largely attributed to allegations bordering on corruption and professional misconduct. The charges range from sexual harassment of female staff members, misuse of funds meant for the College, shady withdrawal of funds, conflict of interest and payment of salaries to family members who are not staff of the college, humiliating staff members with impunity, indiscriminate termination of staff members and mismanagement of funds, among other things.
Some of the striking students were drumming and chanting songs, asking Dr.Fille to leave. There is a school of thought suggesting that these striking students have been incited some lecturers. If this is true then care must taken to dissect the allegations rather than submitting me so hastily to disgruntled sourcing.
We have been told about the existence of faceless persons who for one personal reason not detached from the uncompromising stance of the embattled Dr Fillie. This point has a basis in the fact that every institution has its internal intrigues; that it is not possible for all lecturers to be in the good books of the principal.
Many who spoke to this media had praised Dr. Fille for his stance over the years in changing the story of the college which was in a deplorable state before he took up office in 2014.
They are surprised that the Principal who had worked very hard over the years to upgrade the College could be plunged in such a mess at this particular period.
Why the spontaneous strike when we just have a change of government is also the question on many lips of some students?.Why is it that all the senior administrators and lecturers have either deserted the College at the time of the strike or some sat in very isolated corners when the strike was going on and also deliberately refused to comment on the situation unfolding.
Dr. Fillie is credited by many to have streamlined, restructured and harmonized the traditional administration and distant education administration of the college which avoided the parallel administration and ensured delegation of responsibility with clearly defined lines of authority including chain of command.
He was also noted to have undertaken massive infrastructural development including construction of a canteen from internally generated funds of the college to ease students’ burden of accessing food outside. The facility is regarded as one of the best if not the best in all higher learning institutions.
Library, staffrooms, offices for Heads of Departments, modern conference hall, certification arena, two palava huts and refurbishment of the College mosque with air conditioners are no mean feat of Dr. Fillie’s stewardship.
The surrounding of the College campus which was an eyesore with public transport vehicles and passengers crowding the entrance of the college has also been properly managed. Flowers are planted all over the fence of the college, with paintings and lights which makes the environment very beautiful and conducive for learning.
Many have equally cited Dr.Fille massive reforms in the governance of the distant Education Program, the Freetown Teachers Practicing School, and management of examinations and sale of forms in the college. These are commendable areas that cannot be effaced.
The point has been raised about fiscal leakages associated with individuals who were in charge. They had a field day and were not properly accountable in the management of funds.
Dr.Fille short spell at the College has been able to harness all these internally generated revenue to the benefits of the staff and students of the college rather than being business as usual.
His dynamic management style has even ensured that College assumed a Polytechnic status. Preparations in terms of getting the necessary curriculum, building of nine (9) classrooms blocks and all other necessary preparations are on course for the resumption of the Bachelor of Education degree program in September, 2018.
In addition to these feats, a three classroom block is complete for the commencement of a diploma program in the coming academic year at the college.
Dr.Fille squarely fits into the President New Direction drive to boost Education no matter where he belongs in the Politics of this country.
His detractors should respect him for this very hard stance to lift the College from the deplorable status it was to an enviable learning institution.
Whiles we would not take sides in this matter we equally want the Ministry of Higher Education to properly investigate this saga and notify the Public accordingly of its findings.
We respect the stance of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mr.Turad Senessie to caution members of the Press to stay put in reportage as the ministry mediates in the matter and come out with findings as to the truth or falsehood of the claims floating around.
Let the striking students provide evidence for all the allegations they have levied on Dr.Fille .We are watching with keen interest.