But Dr. Joseph T. Isaac And Dr. Augustine Konneh Denied All Claims
By: Moses M. Tokpah
editor@news.throngtalk.com
0777130958 / 0886476114
Some members of the Board of Trustees of the Margibi University (MU) have accused the President of the university, Dr. Joseph T. Isaac of bypassed ‘Board’s directives’ on several occasions.’’
Three members of the Board including Mr. Jacob Gaye, Sr., Mother Harrisona Grimes, and Mr. Rodnnick Bongokollie in a letter addressed to members of the Margibi Legislative Caucus, said despite their clear instructions to the president to refrain from implementing a new organogram pending board review, Dr. Isaac proceeded to do so unilaterally.
The MU board members are also accusing the president of appointing a vice president for administration (VPA) contrary to the directive of the board to recruit a vice president for administration and finance (VPAF).
They mentioned that Dr. Isaac’s actions, supported by Dr. Augustine Konneh who is the Board Chair, reflect a troubling trend of unilateral decision-making, excluding Board members from significant governance processes.
Additionally, they said Dr. Konneh’s comments about replacing community representatives on the Board due to amendments in the university act have only magnified these problems, leading to increased disrespect from Dr. Isaac towards their Board members.
They asserted that the numerous communications from the university’s faculty association, highlighting grievances, have been similarly ignored by Dr. Konneh, further eroding institutional harmony and trust.
In a related development, the three Board members are seeking the prompt intervention of the Margibi Legislative Caucus for the immediate suspension of the issuance of clearances and invitations ahead of the 3rd commencement convocation of the university slated for February 22, 2025 aimed at ‘preserving academic integrity’ at the institution.
They intoned that this mandate requires a comprehensive review of the graduates’ academic records and their formal approval by the Board, but regrettably, the board has not been presented with such records, nor has the board given its formal approval for the issuance of final clearances.
The Board members said to ensure academic integrity is maintained, it is vital that some procedures such as the completion of all academic requirements by the candidates, the issuance of preliminary clearance by the university, a review of candidates’ records by the faculty senate for approval, the presentation of candidates’ names by the university president of the board of trustees for final review and approval as well as the issuance of final clearance, invitation and gown be done after the board’s approval respectively are adhered to.
They said a deviation from these standard practices, rooted in the university’s tradition, threatens the sanctity of academic standards at the institution.
The members said a review of candidates’ records by the faculty senate for approval and the presentation of candidates’ names by the university president to the Board of trustees for final review and approval have not been completed largely due to faculty disenchantment over the current administration’s exclusion of the faculty association’s from critical activities such as recruitment and promotion while their grievances expressed in six letters remain unaddressed by the Board.
They called on the caucus to ensure that the issue of disrespect to board members from Dr. Isaac and underpin by Dr. Konneh, and grievances of the faculty association are addressed before moving forward with the university operations including graduation; and to take decisive action to uphold the university’s integrity, ensuring that all processes align with the statutes governing the institution.
Margibi University (MU) President Dr. Joseph T. Isaac
When contacted, Dr. Joseph T. Isaac denied the board members’ claims against him including bypassing the directive of the Board terming them as false and misleading.
Dr. Isaac at his Harbel office recently, said the implementation of the new organogram was not done unilaterally, rather it was approved during an emergency meeting that was held on the 25th of September.
He also denied the board members’ claim that he appointed the Margibi University’s Vice President for Administration (VPA) contrary to the directive of the Board.
He maintained that all vice-presidential appointments derived from a Board of Trustees search committee which conducted a search and made various selections prior to his arrival adding that it was based on those recommendations that he made various offers to the individuals.
Dr. Isaac furthered that he took the name of the VPA to the board and he was requested to separate the VPA from the Vice President for Finance, but he turned down the request on grounds that the university is small.
As for the ‘failing’ to present a comprehensive review of the academic records of candidates for approval before proceeding with graduation, Dr. Isaac said it is the Board that dedicates that to the president and the president dedicates same to the vice president for academics.
“In most universities the names are taken to the board for information as to how the vetting was done, and not for approval” he narrated. He said the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has already assigned a controller to the university.
Dr. Isaac further clarified that his leadership has made no faculty appointment noting that he met a team (faculty) that he has been working with though he does not recognize said team because it has not presented any policy document to him regarding its existence.
In conclusion, Dr. Isaac called on the three members of the university’s board to join him to build the institution rather than fighting indicating that there is nothing at MU for him to take for himself.
Acting Board Chair Of The Margibi University (MU), Dr. Augustine Konneh
For his part, the Acting Board Chair of the university, Dr. Augustine Konneh when contacted, said he is aware of the allegations regarding his supposed support for President Isaac’s alleged behavior toward board members.
“I want to assure them that the Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and respect for all members.
If there are any concerns regarding President Isaac’s behavior, I encourage board members to address them through the appropriate channels, such as the Board’s Executive Committee or the University’s governance policies” he responded.
Dr. Konneh said concerning the claims about his supposed statement on changes to the University’s Act, he can confidently say these allegations are unfounded and misrepresent his position as Chair of the Board noting that the Board of Trustees values community engagement and input in the University’s decision-making processes.
He intoned that the university’s governance structure is designed to ensure representation from various stakeholders, including the community and that any changes to the university’s act would require careful consideration and consultation with all relevant parties, including community members.
He acknowledged the concerns raised and assure everyone that their input is valued, but cautioned that they must work together to ensure that the university’s commitment to transparency and accountability is upheld.
About The Author
![]hhsnsss](https://news.throngtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hhsnsss.jpg)
