The Minister of Sports, Mrs. Augusta James-Teima, has assured the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Professor Philip John Kanu, lecturers, staff and students that plans are underway to upgrade the MMTU sports field and those of other universities nationwide to international standards to encourage youths to participate in sports, underscoring that she wants to change the scenario in spite of the numerous challenges, whilst assuring that MMTU is first in her heart.
She made the revelation Thursday 12th December 2024 when the MMTU administration paid a courtesy call at her Bishop House office- National Stadium in Freetown during which she also added that unlike other countries, Sierra Leone has separated the Ministries of Sports and Youths.
She said she has passion for sports, and that MMTU is part and parcel of her life; and she also recalled being a student in 1983 and later a lecturer in 2001, MMTU transformations she has gone through.
She also encouraged MMTU to come up with feasible projects to actualize her laudable dream, pledging that she would not disappoint MMTU.
She enlightened that sport is not haphazard but includes art, science and administration, among other disciplines, asserting that the Ministry is looking out for partners to improve university grounds for all sporting disciplines nationwide, starting with the provincial headquarters to the districts that would lessen the use of the National Stadium.
She furthered that MMTU is the ground to nurture good people, and that she is proud of the Vice Chancellor and Principal for making the difference at the University by transforming it among the best in the country, adding that the MMTU is one firmly united family as they have demonstrated that they have her in mind.
According to the Minister, she is still a lecturer at MMTU, recalling that the administration visited her two weeks after she assumed office.
She said she is applauding MMTU for all the recognition, acclaiming President Bio for the appointment.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, Dr. Philip John Kanu, disclosed that the MMTU is proud of the minister for being a pacesetter, a true daughter of the University- first as a student and later as a lecturer, for which she is held in high esteem.
He observed that MMTU is highly represented in the current cabinet, and that the visit is to hand her over to the Ministry of Sports as she cannot succeed without the support of staff and assured her of the Universitys continued support.
Dr. Kanu asserted that they care for the minister as she is still part of them, but was appointed minister to serve the country, for which he is grateful to the President, adding that the minister is on loan to the Ministry.
He appealed to the ministry to take good care of her, adding that she was Senior Lecturer and later Head of the Physical Health Education Department at MMTU.
He invited her to this years convocation on 14th December.
He further noted that the Physical Health Education Department has dropped and that they would collaborate with any institution/individual to help develop it to international standards, affirming that they have volleyball, basketball and lawn tennis courts that have all been neglected.
Dr. Kanu also stated that if the facilities were developed, it would help reduce tension on the only National Stadium as well as nurture talents.
The Dean of the Brookfields Campus, Madam Aminata Bangura, on behalf of MMTU, presented the plaque of appreciation to the Minister. The plaque reads in part, We celebrate you for your hard work and dedication to duty that has paid off. Your journey is a testament of perseverance.
Similar statements were made by the Deputy Minister of Sports, Mr. Kai Lawrence Mbayo; and the President of the Academic Staff Association- MMTU, Ishmael Kebbay, who revealed that the minister was recognized for her commitment and dedication to duty, adding that the university is on transition and that they rely on her for support to help transform it.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Swahilo Jusu, earlier welcomed all to the ceremony, and revealed that the minister is the first female Minister of Sports in the West Africa sub-region, assured that the minister is in safe hands; and that they are very grateful for the recognition, and assured that they would redouble their efforts to excel.
