Prof. Kanu Suspension Triggers Legal Clash with MMTU Administration
By VOS Writer
A governance dispute has emerged at Milton Margai Technical University following the interim suspension of its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr. Phillip Kanu, over alleged irregularities in staff recruitment.
The decision, announced by the University Court, has sparked a legal challenge from Dr. Kanu’s lawyers, setting the stage for a potential institutional standoff over the authority to enforce such disciplinary action.
In a correspondence dated March 16, 2026, legal representatives from Mendewo Chambers questioned the legality of the suspension, requesting formal clarification on which body holds the statutory authority to suspend the university’s principal. They argue that the process may not have complied with established legal and administrative procedures governing the institution.
The Chancellor’s Office of Milton Margai Technical University had earlier justified the suspension, citing recommendations from a subcommittee report submitted to the University Court.
However, the move is now under intense scrutiny, with Dr. Kanu’s legal team insisting that due process must be clearly defined—particularly regarding the jurisdiction and mandate of the decision-making body.
The unfolding situation highlights broader concerns about governance, accountability, and adherence to statutory frameworks within higher education institutions. Observers say the outcome could set an important precedent for administrative authority and disciplinary procedures in Sierra Leone’s tertiary sector.
