By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie has on the 11th June,2021 assured staff and students of the Eastern Polytechnic of finalizing the processes of it transformation into a university status by October this year.
Professor Wurie said the transformation of Eastern Polytechnic into a university has been in progress for quite a long time and that the transformation process will soon complete.
He added that by July 2021, the bill for the transformation will be tabled in the well of parliament for debate and subsequent approval. “Being the architect for the merger of Bunumbu Teacher’s College and the Government Technical Institute in Kenema, we are moving towards repealing the 2005 University Act,’’ he said.
In his statement, the principal of Eastern Polytechnic, Professor Mohamed Konneh expressed appreciation to the government of Sierra Leone especially the ministry for the attention accorded the institution.
Professor Konneh disclosed that over five thousand students have been admitted to pursue different courses starting from certificate, diploma to degree level and urged for a university status, saying it is the only region in the country without a university. He said the lecturers are preparing for the for the transformation process, as most them have enrolled into PHD programs in and out of the country so they could be in position to continue their service.
The chairman Eastern Polytechnic council, Dr. Mohamed Combo Kamanda commended the government for the tireless strides in making sure that staff welfare is catered for.
He stated that staff salaries are being paid on time and applauded the ministry for the 50% increment in pay since April this year.
Speaking at the event, the presidential adviser for political affairs, Dr. Patrick Kapuwa pleaded with the college administration to exercise some patience as they had done quite a lot for the transformation and therefore called on the minister to expedite the transformation process as it has long been overdue.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (16/06/21)
