By Emma Black
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone has continued its integrity outreach to educational institutions, inspiring new law students of IMATT College to uphold honesty, on 13th October 2025, discipline, and ethical conduct as the foundation of their professional and academic journeys.
Speaking at the college’s orientation ceremony held on Thursday, 9th October 2025, at the Kingtom campus, Sylvanus Blake, Deputy Director of the ACC’s Public Education and Outreach Department, delivered a motivational address urging students to shun all forms of corruption and remain steadfast in doing what is right.
Mr. Blake began by commending the Administration of IMATT College for its partnership with the ACC in promoting transparency and integrity within the education sector, notably through the establishment of an Integrity Club on campus. The club, he said, serves as a platform to nurture ethical values among students and create ambassadors of honesty within the academic community.
“The law profession thrives on integrity and discipline,” Mr. Blake emphasized. “You must commit to doing your best from the onset. Study hard, respect the rules and regulations of this institution, and always uphold your integrity. Do what is right, even when it is difficult or when no one is watching you that is what defines a true lawyer.”
He reminded the students that the legal profession holds a sacred responsibility to uphold justice and fairness, values that cannot coexist with corruption. He further referenced Section 128(3) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, which criminalizes all forms of educational malpractice. The offence, he explained, carries severe penalties, including a five-year prison term, a fine of 50,000 Leones, or both.
“Examination malpractice destroys not only the credibility of education but also undermines national development,” he warned, urging both students and lecturers to avoid any act that could constitute corruption. He reaffirmed that the ACC remains fully committed to investigating and prosecuting all corruption-related offences, regardless of the individuals involved.
In his opening remarks, Amadu Justice Bah, Director of IMATT College, welcomed the freshmen and guided them through the institution’s rules designed to promote fairness and accountability. He stressed that the college maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward examination malpractices and ensures that grading systems remain transparent and verifiable.
“Our institution is built on the values of fairness, justice, and equal rights,” Mr. Bah said. “We expect every student to uphold these principles both inside and outside the classroom.”
Adding a touch of humor and inspiration to the event, Shaka Kamara, ACC’s Public Education Officer and popular comedian known as Yemata, entertained the packed hall with performances that highlighted the importance of integrity, transparency, accountability, and hard work. His lively presentation reinforced the day’s message that integrity is not just a word, but a way of life that every student must embrace.
The session ended on a high note, with both staff and students expressing their appreciation to the ACC for its continuous efforts to instil ethical values and promote a culture of integrity in Sierra Leone’s academic institutions.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 17th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
