Peep Sierra Leone

A formidable Students' group called Concerned Students FBC has spoken out boldly that it will take to the streets of Freetown to see the President, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma if the colleges that are made up of the University of Sierra Leone do not resume lectures as early as possible.

Vexed and disappointed in both the university's administration and the government, many of the students I caught up with on this issue said they were expecting this issue to have been resolved now by the partners involved because according to them it is long overdue and it is affecting them seriously. Amongst the many students who were gathered at FBC'S, I was enabled to meet with the chairman of these students, Bockarie Konneh who is a confirmed student at FBC leads, and he stated clearly to me why they have raised concerns on the ASA strike action. Three of the reasons he gave were: Students who have applied for admission into university have not been interviewed or shortlisted.

"None has been given acceptance letters," he stated.

He also said that they the concerned students have not known their grades because they are being withheld by members of ASA who happen to be their lecturers, heads of departments etc. He also stated that those students who are supposed to leave the university this year after four or five years of academical struggle there will not graduate if this strike continues simply because ASA has got a huge responsibility to ensure their graduation.

All of these issues, the chairman said they are concerned because they are feeling the pains of the strike, and they know education in this country is a state that policy and a fundamental human right which they are entitled to.

He also stated their group is not politically motivated, and they are up because they are legally registered students of the colleges in the university, and whenever strikes of such nature occur the students always feel the brunt.

He finally and bravely stated to me that marching peacefully to the president's office to seek help is an option if this issue is not resolve within the 3 (three) days that they have given to the parties involved, but also urging the government, the administration and Academic Staff Association to find a platform wherein they will negotiate this issue amicably and agreeable.