GOVERNMENT Turns THE Sod for Construction of Kono UniversitY
19th November, 2021
The Government of Sierra Leone has turned the sod for the construction of Kono University of Science and Technology in Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District.
This event came after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), Office of the Presidential Infrastructure Initiative (OPII) and the Contractors on 13th October, 2021 at MTHE's Conference Room, New England Ville, Freetown.
In his keynote address, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, expressed delight in fulfilling a manifesto commitment by establishing a university in Kono. He considered the construction of Kono University of Science and Technology as a legacy that will stand the test of time, registering his commitment to correcting the social injustice that Kono people have long suffered from. President Bio encouraged Kono people to make good use of the University by tapping into the potentials already within their reach.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie, acknowledged MTHE's erstwhile Minister, Prof. AIah Kpakima, for being at the start of the process leading to the turning of the sod. According to Prof. Wurie, Kono District has over the years been a major contributor to Sierra Leone's economy, and that it deserves a state-of-the-art university is a fact that cannot be questioned. He disclosed that the University will be affiliated with a renowned university in the United Kingdom, adding that by January 2022, foundation courses for students that will be accessing the university would start.
He continued that the project will be a stepping stone for the transformation of Kono, commending President Bio for the rapid development that the country has undergone since his election into Office in 2018.
The Chiefdom Speaker of Gbense, Aiah M. Kamanda, welcomed and commended President Bio and all other stakeholders for exhibiting high level of commitment to the process since inception. According to him, the growth that Kono District has witnessed under President Bio's Administration is enough to trigger support from the people of Kono in his developmental trajectory.
The Chairman of Office of the Presidential Infrastructure Initiative (OPII), Dr. John Tambi, said that Government of Sierra Leone has secured a loan from ECOWAS Commission for Kono University's construction, but because the funds are not readily available, President Bio has already pre-financed the process to enhance a speedy work. He expressed gratitude to President Bio for demonstrating high level of commitment to the people of Kono. According to Dr. Tambi, the initial stage of construction will begin with lecture halls and administrative buildings.