By Nasratu Kargbo
The Principal of the newly established Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Dr. Philip John Kanu has described the institution’s entire transformation process as fulfillment of a dream. Speaking to Politico following the transformation of the technical college into a university, the principal recalled the unfulfilled promises of the past, ever since he was himself a student at the institution in 1993, and expressed his delight at the latest development.
He said new courses are now going to be introduced in a bid to improve the middle man power level in the country. He explained that the country is where it is, because everyone wants a degree that at times could not solve the country’s problems, neglecting the acquisition of useful skills.
He said the university is focused on addressing the needs of the country, and stated that some of the new courses they intend to offer are certificate in carpentry, shoe making, steel bending, dress making, architecture and more.
"If we are not prepared, TEC which is the certifying accreditation body will not have recommended us to go through to that level",said the Principal. He said they were able to fulfill the basic requirements of establishing a technical university such as having the tools, laboratories and staff, and asserted their full preparation for the transformation.
On areas where they don't have the staff, he said the university will partner with industries, so that the students will be given hands-on training, and confirmed of already existing agreements between MMTU and some factories and other industries that have middle manpower expertise.
Asked whether MMTU has the capacity for large intake of students, the Principal said government has secured money for the university, and that they've hired a consultant to do expansion of classrooms. He explained that they want to expand the classes so the university can be run without hindrances over space.
He encouraged people to enroll for courses at the university, emphasizing the institution’s focus on closing grey areas and providing the platform for young people to get jobs. Dr. Kanu said the institution’s glory will be restored, stating that whosoever attends there will have a proper training to ensure that they are useful to the nation.
A diploma student in Banking and Finance, Royda Jalloh told Politico she was very delighted for the upgrade, stating that people look down on their institution but she believes that will now change with the new university status.
With a broad smile, she said they as students are proud and would make sure they live up to that expectation and prove to other universities that they can do better.
The bill for the then Milton Margai College of Education’s transformation into a university was laid before Parliament on Tuesday 6th July 2021, and was finally approved on Thursday 8th July 2021. The institution which was founded in 1963 was named after Sierra Leone’s first post-independence Prime Minister,the late Sir Milton Margai. Parliament on the same Thursday also approved the establishing of the new Kono University of Science and Technology, and the Eastern Technical University which was then Eastern Polytechnic located in Kenema district.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 12/07/21
