By Foday Moriba Conteh
With the objective to improve ICT Infrastructure and Communications services at Njala University in order to support teaching, learning and research, one of Sierra Leone’s leading GSM Mobile operators, Africell Sierra Leone has on Wednesday 19th August, 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Njala University. The signing ceremony took place at Africell’s Headquarters at Wilberforce in Freetown.
In his statement during the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Africell-SL, Shadi Gerjawi, pointed out that his company is committed to support the advancement and the development of ICT services and infrastructure within various higher learning institutions including Njala University.
He further disclosed that Africell is pleased to partner with Njala University just as they have done with other institutions, and the focus according to him is to work towards addressing the inherent gaps in the country’s educational system especially as it relates to producing students that would be marketable in the technological world.
The Africell CEO noted that they would move towards supporting Njala University with short term courses to be delivered by reputable engineers across the globe on the specifics of Communication such as network distribution, transmission and networking to name but a few.
The vision, he furthered, is to enhance the capacity of graduates from these higher institutions to be able to grapple with the dynamics of modern day communication.
“The partnership between Africell and Njala University would strengthen the already existing ICT facilities at Njala University with increased data and voice services at cheaper costs,” the CEO added and continued by stating that what they are now doing is not about promoting the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility but an enhanced commitment to support the educational advancement of the country.
On his part, Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam .O.) expressed appreciation to Africell Sierra Leone for the partnership, adding that the move is aligning his vision to see a highly technological University with Africell Company providing Higher Educational institutions in the country with improved ICT Infrastructure to aid teaching, learning and research.
He extolled the exuberance and commitment of the Director of ICT, Thomas Philip Songu for tirelessly pursing the goal of having a permanent MOU with Africell in order to improve ICT Infrastructure and Communication services at the University.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal lauded Africell for supporting his institution so as to produce students that are ready and valuable for the 21st century market especially in the area of Communications.
On behalf of the University Administration, he assured Africell that the University will provide the enabling environment for Africell Sierra Leone.
Mallam .O. further noted that the School of Technology at Najla University will be fully ready to receive the MOU and work towards actualizing it for the benefit of Staff and students.
The climax of the ceremony was the signing of the MOU by the Chief Executive Officer, Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi and the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Osman Sankoh aka Mallam .O
.
