A U.S.–based women’s advocacy group has spoken out strongly against the way Fourah Bay College handled the allegations raised by student Edwina Hawa Jamiru against Justice Momoh Jah Stevens, who lectures at the university and serves as a judge in Sierra Leone’s Appeals Court.

The group, African Women’s RISE, said it was deeply disappointed by the university’s press statement issued on November 10. They felt the statement focused more on protecting the institution’s reputation than supporting a young woman who came forward with serious concerns.

According to the organization, the university’s message seemed more concerned with controlling the narrative than protecting Edwina. They emphasized that a true “zero-tolerance policy” should put victims first, not silence them.

African Women’s RISE also pointed out that FBC advised students to report misconduct through “proper channels,” yet the university failed to acknowledge the formal letter the group had already submitted to the Chancellor on Edwina’s behalf. That letter detailed the alleged retaliation and academic exclusion Edwina has been facing. The organization said this inconsistency shows a troubling double standard.

They further criticized the university’s instruction for Edwina to “refrain from public castigation,” describing it as an attempt to intimidate her. They argued that professionalism requires transparency, empathy, and fairness—not pressure to stay quiet.

In their statement, African Women’s RISE called on Fourah Bay College to withdraw what they described as intimidating language toward Edwina, restore her access to academic spaces, and carry out an independent investigation into Justice Stevens’ conduct. They also urged the university to respond in writing to confirm what steps it has taken to ensure her safety and well-being.

The organization ended by saying that silencing victims is itself a form of violence. They stressed that justice for Edwina represents justice for all young women who are striving for education, dignity, and equality—and called for an end to abuse of power within educational institutions.