Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a landmark decision, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Technical and Higher Education has resolved a long-standing land dispute between New Brookfields Hotel and Milton Margai Technical University, declaring the university as the rightful landlord of the contested property on Jomo Kenyatta Road.
The resolution, announced on Monday, November 11, 2024, followed a detailed review of the Universities Act 2021, with the committee relying on specific provisions outlined on pages 44 and 45 of the Act that establish Milton Margai Technical University’s ownership rights.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin, confirmed the decision: “Milton Margai Technical University is the landlord of the entire property at Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown. The university shall retain all classrooms designated for student lectures and proceed with an agreement with hotel owners for potential tenancy.” Additionally, the university was urged to support the rehabilitation of the student union office at the Brookfields Campus.
This ruling concludes a years-long battle over the land, with New Brookfields Hotel previously asserting ownership based on alleged agreements with past administrations.
Milton Margai Technical University, however, consistently maintained that the land was part of its historic campus and had never been ceded.
The committee’s decision is seen as a significant victory for the university, which has stated that it can now continue expanding and enhancing its campus without further disruption.
“We are pleased that the committee has recognized our ownership rights,” a university spokesperson noted. “This decision will enable us to better serve our students and focus on their educational needs.”
Observers are hailing the resolution as a positive step for justice and governance in Sierra Leone.
“This decision proves that our institutions can uphold the law and protect citizens’ rights,” commented a local analyst. The ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar cases in Sierra Leone, where land ownership disputes are common.
