By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation at the Dr. Julius Maada Bio Amphitheatre as Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, January 22, 2025, graced the special matriculation ceremony at Eastern Technical University.
The event, organized was held under the theme “Quality Education – A Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment and National Development,” emphasized the crucial role of education in transforming society and fostering gender equality.
In her keynote address, First Lady Dr. Bio highlighted the significance of education, particularly for women, as a means of empowerment.
She urged the newly admitted students to take their studies seriously, emphasizing that the knowledge and skills they acquire would not only benefit them personally but also enable them make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large. “Education is the key that opens doors to countless opportunities. Embrace this journey with dedication, and remember that what you learn here today will shape your tomorrow,” she stated.
The First Lady’s words resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting her unwavering commitment to promoting education in Sierra Leone, particularly for women and girls. With a strong focus on uplifting marginalized groups, she reiterated the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering sustainable national development. “When we invest in the education of our women, we invest in the future of our country. Educated women tend to empower their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change,” she added.
To further support the academic ambitions of the students, the First Lady announced a scholarship initiative through her foundation aimed at recognizing and nurturing talent within the student body. She pledged to award scholarships to the five best-performing students in nearly all departments, a move that was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience- the initiative not only boosting academic excellence but also underscoring the First Lady’s commitment to foster a culture of learning and achievement among young people in Sierra Leone.
The matriculation ceremony also featured inspiring speeches from university officials and student representatives, who echoed Dr. Bio’s sentiments about the importance of quality education. Speakers acknowledged the challenges faced by students in the pursuit of their studies but expressed optimism about overcoming such obstacles through determination and resilience.
As part of the ceremony, students were officially welcomed to the university, marking the beginning of an important chapter in their academic journey. Many expressed gratitude for the presence of the First Lady and felt motivated by her encouragement and support.
The matriculation ceremony at Eastern Technical University served as a powerful reminder of the vital role education plays in personal and national development. With the First Lady’s commitment to empowering students and promoting gender equality through education, the hope for a brighter future for Sierra Leone continues to grow stronger.
The initiative to award scholarships to outstanding students is not only an investment in their future but also a testament to the belief that education can be a catalyst for lasting change in the country.
