Gov’t, Fawaz Accused of Betraying Free Education

By Benjamin S Conteh

A fresh storm is brewing over President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Free Quality Education (FQE) program as the Principal of Humariah Senior Secondary School, Mr. Mohamed Baber Mansaray, has accused the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning of colluding with businessman Abdul Hamid Fawaz to rob schoolchildren of their only playground.

According to Mr. Mansaray, the Ministry of Lands has allocated the school’s only sporting facility a vital space that serves not only Humariah Senior Secondary School but also four primary schools, a junior secondary school, and a health center within the same compound to Fawaz for private development. He described the move as nothing short of a betrayal of the government’s much-vaunted commitment to education.

Speaking in his office on Monday, September 15, 2025, the Principal lamented that construction materials had already been moved onto the land over the weekend, including a blue container, signaling the businessman’s intent to fence off and build on the space.

It is very unfortunate that the Ministry could sell a school playground which is used not only by Humariah Senior Secondary School but also by other schools in the area for sports and games. If this land is lost, our pupils will be permanently deprived of an important aspect of education,” Mr. Mansaray told this press.

He noted that the Ministry’s action runs directly against the philosophy of holistic learning under FQE, which promotes academic excellence alongside affective and psychomotor development. “If this playground is sold as alleged, then our children will be denied their right to holistic education. This is a very big mistake,” he stressed.

Government’s Complicity Under Scrutiny

The principal disclosed that he first heard of the transaction during the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), when community stakeholder Madam Kabia informed him that Fawaz had expressed interest in the land. While initially dismissed, those fears have now materialized.

In a stern appeal, Mr. Mansaray confirmed he has petitioned the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and intends to further petition the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning to reverse its decision. He also called on President Bio and Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh to intervene directly.

I am especially calling on President Bio to ensure that the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning leaves this land in the custody of the school. This is directly tied to his flagship program, Free Quality Education,” he declared.

Education stakeholders are questioning why a government that has championed FQE as its flagship agenda would allow its own ministry to sell school property to a private businessman. Many see the move as not only undermining the President’s vision but also exposing deep contradictions in the government’s commitment to education.

Fawaz Defends Purchase, But Sparks Public Outrage

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Abdul Hamid Fawaz, CEO of Fawaz Building Materials SL Limited, insisted that he is the legitimate owner of the land, claiming he purchased it from the Ministry of Lands five to six years ago.

He stated that the Ministry attached one condition to the sale that he rebuild the mosque within the school compound to “a standard” a project he said would cost thousands of dollars. Fawaz also accused a community stakeholder, Mr. Gabriel, of inciting resistance against him.

“I am the authentic owner of the land, having bought it from the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning,” Fawaz maintained, claiming to have already presented his ownership documents at the Approved School Police Station.

But community members have dismissed his defense as tone-deaf, arguing that no amount of mosque construction can compensate for depriving thousands of children of a playground that supports their health, discipline, and academic growth.

Public Calls for Accountability

The issue has sparked widespread outrage among parents, teachers, and civil society organizations, who see it as another example of how political elites and wealthy businesspeople exploit state institutions at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Critics argue that the Ministry of Lands acted irresponsibly by disposing of school property a critical public resource without considering the long-term impact on education. Many are also questioning why President Bio’s administration would remain silent on a decision that strikes at the very heart of the FQE program.

“Selling school land to businessmen while preaching Free Quality Education is hypocrisy at its peak. This government must decide whether it stands with the children of Sierra Leone or with moneybags like Fawaz,” a concerned parent remarked.

As the controversy deepens, calls are mounting for President Bio to personally intervene, reclaim the land, and send a strong message that education is not for sale. Observers say failure to act will not only undermine FQE but also erode public trust in the government’s priorities.

For now, the future of the Humariah playground and the credibility of the government’s flagship education program hangs in the balance.