Government Inaugurates Milton Margai Technical University
The Government of Sierra Leone has inaugurated the University Court of Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) with an installation of its new Chancellor (Dr. Victor Ekundayo Kabia) at its Goderich Campus in Freetown.
Delivering his keynote address, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, noted that an investment in human capital development is an investment in the inclusive sustainable future of the nation. He expressed delight in achieving another manifesto commitment by further cementing a solid reputation in fulfilling pledges that he had made. "If our universities are places where skills and ideas are leant, places where the future is shaped through translational sciences and innovation... places where careers are shaped, then this historic and momentous occasion today demands that we collectively as a nation reimagine and transform the purpose of higher education in our country forever," he said. He assured members of his continued support to the growth and development of the University, commending Prof. Philip Kanu for his dedication and hard work in managing the institution and developing a progressive pathway for the University. H.E. President Bio referred to technical universities as the hub of tertiary education and skills training and the centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. He urged the University Administration to bear in mind that discharging the core mandate of a technical university is a daunting task, entreating them to be resolute enough in a bid to meet global standards.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie, regarded the event as a triumphant day for the institution. He noted the importance of mass education and the need to enhance it from the cradle, commending President Bio for giving credence to early childhood education in the country. He further applauded the President for allowing accelerated learning in every chiefdom of the country, creating an opportunity for those that may not have had the chance to access school. According to Prof. Wurie, there cannot be human capital development without expansion of tertiary institutions. "We are witnessing a transformation in Sierra Leone. It is rare for a Head of State to say I relinquish my position as Chancellor," he said in recognition of President Bio's selflessness.
According to the Vice Chancellor and Principal of Milton Margai Technical University, Prof. Philip Kanu, investing in education is the best thing that any Government can do for its people. He expressed delight over an achievement they had always longed for as an institution, acknowledging past Principals of the institution for their efforts over the years in making the dream a reality. He disclosed that the University has developed a strategic roadmap that will align with the status of a modern university, registering his confidence that the new status has the potential to make the University one of the greatest in Sierra Leone. He conveyed his gratitude to H.E. President Bio and by extension the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Tertiary Education Commission, and the Parliament of Sierra Leone for seeing that the institution gets inaugurated.
The Chairman of Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Prof. Aliyagreen Alghali, applauded MMTU for having gone through all scrutiny and being certified to become a university. Transforming polytechnics into universities, according to Prof. Alghali, would serve as an inspiration to those who had once felt downgraded in the education sector. He assured members of TEC's unwavering support to the development of the education sector in the country.