Fraternities, deception, and academic outcomes: Evidence from the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone

This study empirically examined the level of deception associated with black and white fraternities and their impacts on students’ academic performance at the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL). The specific objectives were to identify the factors responsible for students’ involvement in occultism, explore the deceptions associated with such practices, assess their impacts on academic performance, and provide recommendations. The research was conducted in Kenema, the third largest city in Sierra Leone and a major economic center in the Eastern Province. A total of 80 respondents were randomly selected from a target population of 100, including university students from all years, lecturers, administrative staff, secondary school teachers and pupils, as well as managers, directors, and ministry officials. Findings revealed that students involved in fraternities are often deceived by false promises of social and career advancement, while occultic activities create unhealthy learning environments that instill fear and hinder academic performance. These effects extend to the job market, as many graduates struggle to secure employment or defend their degrees. Respondents strongly recommended banning student union elections and assigning student union activities through university administration to mitigate the political motivations driving fraternity involvement and occultism on campus.