The Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Sahr Moses Gevao has on last Saturday, 15th April 2023 inaugurated the Njala University Bonthe Campus on the Island the district headquarters town.
The ceremony which took place at the Grounds of the former Bonthe Technical Training College, Monument Lane, Shebro Island, Bonthe, was graced by administrative and academic staff of Njala University, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the former Mayor of Bonthe Municipality, Bonthe District Officer, traditional leaders, students and residents of Bonthe.
In his welcome address, Chancellor Prof Gevao describe Njala University as a vibrant, progressive institution with highly capacitated professional human resources that is constantly exploring opportunities for growth, development and sustainability of higher learning in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Prof Gevao explained that the establishment of a third campus in Bonthe formed part Njala University’s restructuring strategy, designed to unlock economic potentials, generate untapped industries and put Njala University on the international stage as a recognised educational and research provider, specifically in the global maritime world and the sustainable tourism industry. He registered the University’s firmest commitments towards achieving its set goals. He disclosed that University rely on support from stakeholders in realising what he referred to as “this ambitious project.”
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Njala University, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, in his inaugural speech stated that the University’s plans to establish two Schools and Institutes which include the Schools of Maritime Studies, Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management, Institute of Technical Entrepreneurship and Vocational Studies, and the Institute of Teacher Education.
Professor Bashiru Koroma said the three Departments under the School of Maritime Studies will include the Marine Engineering and Navigation, Maritime Management and Logistics, and the Department of Marine Sciences and Coastal Agriculture. He also added that the School of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management will host the Departments of Tourism and Travel Management, Hospitality Management and Catering Science, and the Department of Cultural Heritage Studies.
“Recognised as a pioneer of initiatives that support sustainable economic growth, the University is now embarking on an exciting Campus establishment in the Sherbro Island that stands to generate enormous benefits at local and national levels,” Professor Koroma averred.
According to VC&P, the School of Maritime Studies will address the significant human capacity gaps in Sierra Leone’s blue economy industries. “This economic concept,” he went on, “promotes the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources for economic growth, food security, employment creation, energy generation, water transportation and protection of the marine environment for future generations.” He called on the government, partners, and donors to support the new campus in carrying out its mission.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara said that he felt frustrated of the apparent neglect of the historical injustice to Bonthe Island over the years, noting that this is addressed today because of President Julius Maada Bio’s desire for education.
The Deputy Minister noted that the transformation is because of the Government’s huge investments in education and expressed that Bonthe is lucky to take only thirty-four (34) years to be a constituent Campus of Njala University. He added that President Bio’s emphasis on human capital development and the investment of 22% in education has seen more people going to school, higher pass rate in public examinations and increased in the number of students admitted in public Universities.
The Minister reassured that the transformation and expansion at Njala University is significant because of the population growth rate in the country especially the youth. He noted that Njala’s expansion to Bonthe Campus will mean that Njala will be serving about 24% of the population in the Southern province, noting that the expansion is deliberate and purposeful by the Government of President Bio.
Minister Sarjor Aziz-Kamara furthered that the expansion is in line with MTHE’s emphasis on technical and vocational education across the sixteen Districts to empower the middle manpower for self-employment and global competitiveness.
He thanked Njala University Administration for considering significant programmes and courses for the new campus on Bonthe Island.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Philip Segepoh Thomas reaffirmed his commitments and support to the new campus and encouraged natives, friends, development partners Government to support the establishment.
Former Mayor Layemin Joe Sandi of Bonthe Municipality committed his fullest support to the Campus and noted that they have longed for this moment long ago because of direction the college was about to take due to its numerous challenges.
The Ceremony was climaxed with the cutting of tape and unveiling signage symbolising the official opening of the Njala University Bonthe Campus.
