THE JOURNEY:
Since the establishment of Milton Margai Teachers College in 1963, the newly transformed university had gone through so many faces to become what it is today, from the Teachers Training Department (TTD) at Fourah Bay College, Mount Aureol to the Freetown Training College(FTC), was again changed to the Milton Margai Teachers College (MMTC) and Milton Margai College of Education (MMCE), it was later merged with the Freetown Technical Institute (FTI) at Congo Cross and the Hotel Tourism and Training Centre (HTTC) at Brookfields, consequently, it was thereafter re-named Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET), and finally to its current status, the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU).
Several attempts were made by the previous administrations throughout those faces with the government for university status but proved futile.
However, His Excellency President Bio promised to strengthen education to address Human Capital Development and the middle-level manpower in the country to catch up with the rest of the world if he is elected when he was campaigning to become president of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
In line with his commitment, he had overhauled and continued to support many educational institutions in the country since he was elected, and one of those institutions that had benefited from his government support is MMTU.
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT:
The institution had been receiving full support from the government to all extents before it was officially inaugurated as a Technical University by His Excellency the President Rtd. Brig. Dr Julius Maada Bio on 11th November 2021.
The government had ensured on time and regular payment of staff salaries and annual leave allowance (this used to be paid, one month in every four months, staff will receive December salary in March or April, while the annual leave allowance is being paid by installment throughout the year).
The usual strike actions that were disrupting the academic year had become a thing of the past because lecturers’ welfare and conditions of service had been improved by the government drastically by the 75% salary increment.
Students are assured of the opening and closure of the University; this is because they are the priority of the institution.
Renovation of key facilities by the institution with support from the government for a better learning environment, the Health centre is fully equipped with modern equipment, the University Library is furnished with current books that are in line with programmes of study, reopening of the students’ canteen, the toilets facility to give comfort to students, the Great Hall which host Students for the General Assembly, the Solade Adams Public Lecture Series and other activities, the new refurbished Hall at Congo Cross named the Julius Maada Bio Hall and the reconstruction of the Peace and Love Amphitheatre for Graduation/ Matriculation ceremonies.
The institution portrays a high sense of hygiene on all three campuses, its beautification by planting ornamental trees and flowers had made it to be described as one of the cleanest institutions in the country.
The rehabilitation of the Brookfields Campus with a new 45KVA Generator service, the Rehabilitation of the Technical Road at the Congo Cross Campus, and the refurbishment of the science laboratory with the installation of the state of the earth equipment to carry out research.
The university has a constant supply of electricity and the installation of Solar lights on all three campuses and the Goderich community.
For effective service delivery, the institution uses the Biometric Attendance System for all staff, and CCTV cameras on all three campuses to monitor staff and students.
The institution has constructed a police post at the Goderich Campus to provide security for students, staff, and its properties. Classrooms, workshops and other buildings have been renovated.
Establishment of a business centre to generate funds, the establishment of a research and development unit that has attracted grants to implement projects in the University that benefit society.
With the recruitment of a highly trained and qualified Medical Doctor, the Health Centre now serving the surrounding communities in Goderich Campus, the institution has also rehabilitated the football field and sports conducted after a long period.
The payment of outstanding Ex-gratia to staff who retired from the institution without being paid and payments of liabilities to the tune of Le. 17 Billion old Leone notes were done by the government of His Excellency President Bio.
To keep students informed about current topics; the institution has introduced the Solade Adams Public Lecture Series and reintroduced the students’ forum to interact with them.
Lecturers are constantly supervised to deliver their lectures suitably and the publication of exam grades on time to allow students to know their standings.
The institution had made all of these gains through the unwavering support from the government to address the human capital development and the middle-level manpower of the country; especially the institution being a technical university.
By Public Relations Office, Milton Margai Technical University
