By Ibrahim John Sesay
Central University has successfully concluded its 3rd Edition of the highly anticipated Students’ Week celebration with a vibrant Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night, bringing together students, lecturers, administrators and members of the university community, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the University’s campus in Mile 91, Tonkolili District, to honor outstanding students with excellent performance in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Students’ Week celebration is an academic-social activity organized by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs; allowing students to display pride, unity, talent, culture and creativity as students proudly celebrated the week with grand academic-social activities.
The 3rd Edition of the Students’ Week, which started from 20 April 2026 to 25 April 2026, with the following academic-social activities – Monday: Rep Your School; Tuesday: Rep Your Department & Inter-Departmental Debate Competition; Wednesday: Career Day; Thursday: Oldies D’ Goodies; Friday: Cultural Day and Saturday: Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night.
The Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night is a colorful ceremony served as the grand finale of the week-long activities and recognized students who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as those who have made remarkable social contributions within the university community.
In the academic excellence awards category, students were celebrated for their exceptional performances during the 2025-2026 academic year. Those who attained a Grade Point Average (GPA) between 4.30 and 4.69 were inducted into the prestigious Dean’s List, acknowledging their dedication, consistency, and commitment to excellence.
Students who achieved a GPA ranging from 4.70 to 5.00 were honored under the distinguished Vice Chancellor’s List, one of the highest academic recognitions at the institution. The award highlighted students who have maintained extraordinary standards in their studies.
In the social awards categories are students who have positively influenced their colleagues within the university community. Amongst the categories are: Best Lecturer, Best Head of Department, Best Society, Most Influential Student, Best Dressed Student Male and Female, Best Class Representative Female and Female, Best Social Media Influencer, Best DJ, Best Soccer Player, Best Basketball Player and several others honors.
Speaking during the event, the Students’ Union President, Abu Johnson Sankoh, commended the awardees for their hard work and perseverance, noting that academic excellence remains one of the pillars of Central University’s vision.
He stated, “These awards are not just symbols of recognition, but evidence of the discipline, determination, and excellence that define our student body.” Sankoh further emphasized that the Students’ Week celebration remains a strategic platform for fostering unity and holistic development among students.
The Registrar of Central University, Maligie Sesay, in his remarks, underscored the importance of balancing academic rigor with social engagement. He noted, “At Central University, we remain committed to help students with our extracurricular activities.”
The Registrar added that such initiatives strengthen institutional culture and reinforce the values of excellence and integrity. He urged students to take their academic work more seriously to get more awards in the next academic year.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal of Central University, Prof. Bob Karankay Conteh, delivered a keynote address highlighting the university’s vision for academic distinction. He remarked, “We take pride in nurturing students who consistently push the boundaries of excellence, and tonight’s honorees exemplify that standard,” he stated.
Prof. Conteh further encouraged students to maintain high academic standards, by submitting assignments on time, prepare presentations, and work towards the 40-60 assessment grading system; while actively contributing to the university community.
Students described the awards night as memorable and motivating, stating that it not only celebrated achievements but also encouraged others to strive for success in academics and extracurricular activities.
The event was marked by music, entertainment, applause, and moments of celebration as awardees proudly received their awards before an excited audience.
The successful conclusion of Students’ Week once again demonstrated Central University’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, leadership, talent development, and student engagement.
With the curtain now drawn on this year’s Students’ Week, students expressed appreciation to the Students’ Union Government and university administration for organizing a memorable celebration that balanced education, fun, and recognition.
