Raising alarm of Academic Inbreeding… USL Chancellor Urges Varsity Staff to Pursue Studies Outside the USL System
In an internal memo dated 9th April,2025 coming from the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of SierraLeone, Professor. Aiah Lebbie, has raised grave concerns over the growing trend of academic inbreeding which has posed long term challenges to institutional growth and innovation, and calling for a more diversity approach in staff development.
He continued by stating that the University takes great pride in academic excellence but encouraged staff to pursue post graduate and doctoral studies at institution outside the USL system.
“It has come to my attention that an increasing number of staff members within the University of Sierra Leone pursue all their academic qualifications—undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees—within our university system,” Professor Lebbie stated, arguing that the exposure of different academic environment by staff is a vital part of intellectual development as it allows for the exchange of diverse ideas, promote fresh perspectives and strengthen the academic research system and teaching capacities.
“As a university aiming to maintain relevance in an ever-evolving global academic landscape, we must actively encourage our staff to seek at least one of their higher degrees, particularly at the postgraduate level, at other reputable institutions outside of USL,” he added and encouraged young academics including Research and Teaching Assistants to consider furthering their studies elsewhere to enable them to gain broader insights and for them to return with renewed energy and innovative approaches.
The Vice Chancellor also called on key university leadership—including Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institutes, Heads of Departments, and Heads of Units—to support this initiative and advise staff accordingly and assist them in identifying and exploring viable study opportunities and partnerships with external institutions.
