MTHE Joins Orange in Donating 500 KVA Generator to Njala University

The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr. Sajoh Aziz-Kamara, and other government dignitaries have joined Orange Sierra Leone Limited to donate a 500 KVA generator to Njala University, Njala Campus. The event, which took place at the University's auditorium, was followed by the cutting of the ribbon and switching on of the generator, including a conducted tour around the Campus.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Njala University (Njala campus), Prof. Bashiru M. Koroma, thanked Orange for their kind gesture in considering one of the most important needs of Njala, which is effective energy supply. He expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa, for facilitating the process behind the donation to relieve the burden of Njala Campus' electricity crisis, noting that it is a clear indication of the Chief Minister's belief in the enhancement of education. He assured members of the University Administration's commitment to enhancing academic prowess in the three core values of Njala University, vis-à-vis teaching, research and community outputs.

The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, expressed delight in being part of such a remarkable event, noting that it speaks to the collaborative commitment of both Orange and the Government of Sierra Leone to improving quality in the country's educational system. He noted the ongoing efforts in ensuring that Njala University's core discipline in agriculture does not get lost. According to Mr. Aziz-Kamara, there has been significant advancement in the reformation of university education, taking into consideration the transformation of Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) and Eastern Polytechnic into technical universities, and the establishment of a new technical university in Kono. He further intimated members of the Student Loan Scheme Bill, which has been gazetted to create opportunities for those without finance. He entreated the University to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing the need to ensure the generator's sustainability.

The Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Prof. Andrew Baimba, mentioned the relevance of the machine to them, adding that the University embraces it with open arms. He pointed out that electricity supply at Njala Campus has been very expensive, appreciating Orange for supporting them with such a donation in addition to the previous support they have rendered over the years. He further expressed delight over the presence of the Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Eldred Taylor, entreating the Ministry of Energy to keep supporting Njala Campus with effective power supply to enhance its relevance to its host community.

The Pro- Chancellor of Njala University, Mr. David Carew, expressed delight in receiving a delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone in commissioning the machine provided by Orange-Sierra Leone. He thanked the Chief Minister for having pushed to see that the vision was realised. According to Mr. Carew, the presence of a delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone symbolizes the importance of education to them. He further requested for government's support in providing fuel for the machine, its maintenance, salary for the people that will be managing it etc. "We must find a way to be able to support that cost... we must find a way to make the generator sustainable," he said. He encouraged the university staff and students to start visualizing the possibility that they may have to pay for electricity supply with a view to enhancing the machine's sustainability.

According to the Managing Director of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone Limited, Ms. Jestina Betts, teaching cannot be effective in the absence of electricity power. She mentioned that the donation is to address the growing needs of adequate power supply at Njala Campus. "This project reflects our commitment to contributing to social goals by engaging and supporting sustainable development in Sierra Leone," she said. According to Ms. Betts, Orange believes strongly that education and human capital development will be one of the strongest pillars for growth in Sierra Leone, noting that the donation of the generator adds to the list of support Orange has been giving to Njala in past years.

The Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Eldred Taylor, thanked Orange for the partnership that has existed between them and the Ministry of Energy, looking forward to such seamless relationship in subsequent years. He thanked Orange for showcasing its commitment to its corporate social responsibility. Dr. Taylor assured those present of his Ministry's commitment to addressing the issue of maintenance of the machine, adding that such visit was not their first in coming to Njala's aid when there is a crisis. According to the Deputy Minister, his Ministry is working towards getting an integrated package which would look at the generation, distribution, and metering component. "If the students and offices are metered, I think you will be able to have enough returns," he envisaged.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, applauded Orange for upholding their goodwill by contributing to the country's education, and by extension its human capital development, which is at the heart of the New Direction Government. According to Mr. Swaray, Sierra Leone has missed out on three industrial revolutions, and Government is very keen on ensuring that the country does not miss out on the fourth industrial revolution. "...this Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to operate and thrive, so that they will continue to create more jobs and contribute more to tax revenue and CSR commitment," he said.

The Chief Minister, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa, mentioned Government's focus on human capital development, which ties itself to the collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and development stakeholders (including Orange) in ensuring that the country's educational institutions are being provided with their essential needs. According to Mr. Saffa, the Office of the Chief Minister has a mandate to facilitate programmes that are anchored on academic enrichment, assuring members of Government's continued supervision of technical and higher education in the country.

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