A meeting of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Technical and Higher Education was abruptly adjourned on Monday due to the absence of key officials from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, set to address the escalating land dispute between Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) and the New Brookfields Hotel.
However, the absence of the Permanent Secretaries from both ministries sparked frustration and concerns. Deputy Speaker Conteh described the absence as a “blatant affront” to parliamentary protocol, raising questions about potential ulterior motives and conflicts of interest.
The land dispute involves the alleged unauthorized occupation of university premises by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, including the installation of a 40ft container and the establishment of a Loan Scheme Office on university grounds. This has reportedly disrupted MMTU operations.
The adjournment of the meeting has left the future of the dispute resolution uncertain, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting a new date for the meeting.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, expresses frustration over the absence of ministry officials.
