By; Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The National Commission for Persons with Disability has launched a nationwide audit to verify students with disabilities enrolled in Sierra Leone’s public universities, aiming to tighten oversight of free tertiary education benefits guaranteed under national law.
The exercise, led by Commissioner Brima Abdulai Sheriff, began earlier this year at Eastern Technical University and has since moved through Njala University’s campuses, Fourah Bay College, and the Institute of Public Administration and Management. Officials say the review is designed to confirm that only students who meet the criteria under the Persons with Disability Act, 2011, receive support.
Section 14 of the Act provides free tuition for persons with disabilities at government-accredited institutions. The Commission said its mandate is to authenticate eligibility and prevent misuse of the provision.
The process uses a structured, evidence-based approach. At each institution, university authorities have granted access to student records and provided administrative support, a step officials describe as a sign of shared commitment to transparency and inclusion.
“This marks the start of a new era of accountability in managing disability-related educational benefits,” Sheriff said. He added that a standardized verification system will protect the integrity of the law and ensure assistance reaches legitimate beneficiaries.
After each university review, the Commission prepares a report listing confirmed students and submits it to university registrars, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Tertiary and Higher Education to improve coordination across government.
The Commission said it was satisfied with cooperation from Eastern Technical University, Njala University, Fourah Bay College, and IPAM. Officials expect the ongoing exercise to strengthen confidence in disability policy implementation and safeguard educational opportunities for qualified students.
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