The Minister of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), Professor Ramatulai Wurie, Thursday 15th May 2025, officially installed the new Chancellor of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Engineer Mohamed Alie Jalloh, and inaugurated the second University Court and its members at the Great Hall of the Goderich campus in Freetown.
The new Chancellor and University Court will serve for a three-year term-2025-2028.
Professor Wurie congratulated the new Chancellor and members of the University Court, commended members of the former University Court, especially for spearheading the transition from polytechnic to Technical University and for laying a sound foundation for the institution to progress.
She disclosed that government is dedicated to ensure centers of innovation and excellence, adding that the University Court would oversee the direction of MMTU as well as ensure that it aligns with its mission; and she admonished the new Chancellor and University Court to uphold the highest standards and professional excellence, and nurture an environment conducive to teaching and learning.
In his maiden speech, the new Chancellor, Mr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, acclaimed the President for the confidence reposed in him, observing that his role is unique and huge, that he would promote globalization, inclusivity, support study tours, establish a Business Center to generate funds for the institution, and also appealed to the Principal and Vice Chancellor to write a project proposal for the proposed center.
Mr. Jalloh also promised to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at MMTU to train students in technical skills like engineering and ICT for industries and real world situations, while underscoring strong emphasis on hands-on experience in addition to partnerships with industries.
According to the new Chancellor, although his task would not be smooth, his leadership would also improve standards and build on the existing legacy of MMTU, embrace all to provide the best possible education, strive to make a difference; and he called on all for their support to succeed, reiterating that he would leave no one behind.
Mr. Jalloh also asserted that he would produce graduates to complement government’s solution to the electricity crisis, innovation and research as well as extend MMTU to other parts of the country, and also uphold his duties pursuant to the University Act and be diligent.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the MMTU, Professor Philip John Kanu, expressed delight at the dawn of the long-awaited event, which he described as a momentous occasion, affirming that the new University Court would serve as a renewed commitment to academic excellence and transparency, adding that members of the Court are drawn from across the board from various institutions, regions, backgrounds and professions.
He also appealed to the new members of the University Court to uphold their actions as well as the principles of accountable governance by laying the groundwork, also noting that the work of the new Chancellor is a noble responsibility to shape the policies of the institution to thrive as a beacon of quality education to support the country’s middle-level manpower needs.
Professor Kanu further commended the erstwhile Chancellor and outgone members of the University Court headed by Dr. Victor Kabia for their vision, unity, dialogue and unwavering commitment to higher education at MMTU.
Explaining the purpose of the gathering, the MMTU Registrar, Mr. Sheriffu Bangura, enlightened that the inauguration to comply with Section II Sub-Section 1 of the University Act, and that the appointment of the Chancellor was made by the President in consultation with the erstwhile Chancellor of the MMTU to appoint a sound academic for a three year term subject to extension.
The new Chancellor, Mr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, was born in Lungi, Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District and attended Fourah Bay College where he graduated with a BSc Honors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He has attended several professional courses abroad and was former Principal of the Freetown Technical Institute and Head of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards and later Dean of the Congo Cross campus of the MMCE&T, now MMTU.
Highlights of the well-attended event were installation of the new chancellor and members of the University Court witnessed by the legal firms of the MMTU- Betts and Berewa and R.B. Kowa and Associates.
Madam Aminata Bangura, Dean of the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Studies, rendered the vote of thanks.
