By Amin Kef Sesay
On Monday March 30, 2020, Africell SL and the University of Sierra Leone (USL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the e-learning big data project.
The MOU covers provision of mobile connectivity to staff and students of the University, access to and the utilization of the USL web portal in a reliable and cost-effective manner and access to students and other users of the USL web portal to make payments into USL administrative accounts using AfriMoney services provided.
Additionally, Africell will:
– Provide SIM cards to all users
– Provide zero-rating of the USL web portal mobile application, which shall eliminate the need for payment of mobile data tariffs to access the web portal.
– Provide special data bundle rates, to be agreed, that will give access to web URLs established solely for delivery of digital lectures by the University.
– Provide Free SMS services via Africell platform
– Offer periodic promotions in which all student users of the portal shall be eligible to win prizes such as computer devices, smart phones and scholarship awards.
– Provide USL with a Toll Free short code 5505 for The University Complaints Commission in the Academic & Career Advisory and Counselling Services Centre. This will obviously increase and improve reach and access to USL.
The e-learning big data project will not be limited to USL only. It shall be extended to an additional institution of higher learning to be nominated by the USL.
The USL shall make available designated locations to Africell as Points of Sale/Services in all 3 campuses of the University: FBC, IPAM & COMAHS. Both parties to the MoU are expected to establish a Technical Working Group to examine all the technical and operational aspects of implementing the MoU.
On signing the MOU on behalf of Africell SL, the Managing Director of the company, Shadi Gerjawi said, “The whole world is trying to digitize much faster than it would have because of the existential threat of the Coronavirus Disease. People are fast tracking their plans to ensure there is seeming continuity of life. This agreement is Africell’s support of the digitization leap taken by USL with technology that will give students the access to the portal of the University at a Zero-Rated cost”.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The University of Sierra Leone, Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr signed the MoU on behalf of the University. He expressed appreciation for the collaboration and partnership that USL has had with Africell over the years especially at this time when the University has gone digital.
Signed
Olive A.K Barrie
University Registrar
CONTACT
Dr. Tonya Musa- USL Director of Media, Alumni & International Relations
Email: tonya.musa@usl.edu.sl
Mobile: +232-76 507 160
John Konteh – Africell SL. MediaContact
Email:jkonteh@africell.sl
Mobile: +232-77-928-401
