By Nasratu Kargbo
President Julius Maada Bio has called on the management of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) to meet the standards of its new status. The president made the statement during official inauguration of the university on the 11th November 2021.
He pointed out that upgrading the institution to a university was an achievement made but reminded the management that it has a great task ahead in discharging the core mandate of a technical university a far daunting task that he challenged them to equal.
President Bio stated that the technical universities should be a hub for tertiary education creativity innovation, entrepreneurship and skills training. “When you design and develop curricula, be attentive to the value of translational sciences development”, he said. He expressed the hope that the university will offer courses that would bring value to the career of graduates as well as the development of the technical industry.
The President recommended that the university engages in short duration courses such as in fishing supply chain or fish harbour management, stating that the university could partner with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in that respect. He spoke of opportunities in the green economy and the creative arts. But also commended the institution for rendering services such as providing solar lights, offering tuition fees to eligible students in the community and also allowing the community people to access the health centre .
He encouraged the educational sector to work hard in meeting global standards, being competitive to create different pathways and be eager to produce the best skilled technical workers to change the country’s economy in meeting the nation’s changing skills needs.
In addressing the incoming Chancellor Dr. Victor Kabia, the President advised him to desist from any personal fights, noting such an act would only serve as a distraction to his mission. He stated that if the Chancellor is to succeed, he should be crafty in building a productive working relationship with the university’s management.
The Principal and newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Philip John Kanu assured the President and members of the public that the university would make everyone proud. He noted that after two years, they will produce architects that would help in the nation’s growth. He disclosed that they have decided their graduating architects build houses for dissertations instead of presenting papers. Kanu stated that prospective students should know that the university will now focus on skills training. “Be ready to use your hands”, he said.
He explained that the administration would not take advantage of staff, but if they fail to deliver, they will be asked out.
Chancellor Dr. Victor Kabia in his statement said he felt honored to have President Bio install him as Chancellor of the university. “I anticipate pronouncements that will inspire the new university to grow and take its space in the global ranking of universities”, he promised.
Minister of Tertiary and Higher Education, Alpha Tejan Wurie said the country has experienced a lot of catastrophes, highlighting Flooding and Mudslides, Ebola and the Wellington fire incident, all of which he attributed to human activities. He said that mass education is vital that can be made possible through human capital development.
He promised that the government will take care of the infrastructure of the university.According to the Minister, close to Le15, 000,000 Billion will be spent on the three Milton Margai Campuses through a project which will be handled by the Chief Minister. He said the project will also support Eastern Technical University.
Copyright © Politico Online 15/11/21
