Njala University’s School of Public Health has commenced a three-day research symposium for Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy candidates, aimed at strengthening postgraduate research and promoting academic excellence in public health.
The symposium, which opened on 14 September 2026 at Njala University’s Bo Campus in Towama, is being held under the theme: “Empowering Public Health Professionals Through Research Excellence.”
The academic gathering features pre-field, progress-update and post-field presentations by postgraduate researchers. It provides candidates with an opportunity to present their research proposals and findings, receive constructive feedback, exchange ideas with colleagues and strengthen their research skills.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Dean of the School of Public Health, Professor Kemoh Rogers, highlighted the importance of the symposium to postgraduate education and research at Njala University.
Professor Kemoh Rogers said the initiative has made a positive contribution to the development of postgraduate researchers since its inception. He thanked the University Administration for its continued support towards the organisation of the symposium and its commitment to previous editions.
Professor Kemoh Rogers encouraged the participating researchers to make full use of the platform by presenting their work confidently, engaging with colleagues and benefiting from constructive academic discussions.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, commended the School of Public Health for sustaining an initiative that was initially considered ambitious within Sierra Leone’s public health education sector.
Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma recalled the early development of public health education at Njala University and expressed satisfaction with the progress made over the years. He noted that the programme has developed into an important academic platform that is producing higher-degree researchers and contributing to the advancement of public health education in Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on the programme’s growth, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma said the increasing number of Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy researchers represented an achievement that had exceeded his initial expectations.
Describing public health as a field particularly close to his heart, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma expressed appreciation to the School of Public Health for inviting him to the symposium and reaffirmed his continued interest in supporting its development.
He described the symposium as a specialized platform through which postgraduate researchers can present their proposals and ongoing studies while receiving critical and constructive feedback from academics and fellow researchers.
According to Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, the interactive nature of the symposium would enable participants to connect with colleagues pursuing similar research interests, creating opportunities for collaboration, academic debate and the exchange of knowledge.
Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma also drew attention to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in modern life and academic research. He urged researchers to take advantage of the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence while remaining conscious of its possible ethical and practical challenges.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Njala University and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Bo Campus, Professor Rashid Ansumana, delivered a presentation titled: “Counting the Costs: Why Preparedness, Early Warning and Research Readiness Are Economic Choices: Ebola Financing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a Case Study in the Economics of Epidemic Timing.”
Professor Rashid Ansumana encouraged postgraduate candidates to approach their presentations with confidence, reminding them that every researcher possesses specialized knowledge in their respective area of study.
He explained that the symposium was not merely an opportunity for candidates to present their research, but also a forum where researchers could interact, challenge ideas, share knowledge and learn from one another.
The Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Victor Tamba Simbay Kabba, thanked the School of Public Health for inviting him to participate in the symposium for the second consecutive year. He described the event as an important academic engagement that could help improve the quality of postgraduate research at the University.
Professor Victor Tamba Simbay Kabba stressed the importance of understanding and complying with Njala University’s postgraduate policies. He also urged students to pay their fees and complete their registration processes to maintain their status within the University.
He said Njala University is making progress in strengthening its postgraduate programmes to ensure they remain rigorous, relevant and responsive to emerging national and global issues, as well as the changing demands of the job market.
The Deputy Registrar for Bo Campus, Dr Paul K. Ngaujah, underscored the importance of public health research, comparing public health to a building supported by the various medical disciplines as its pillars.
Dr Paul K. Ngaujah said public health remains both a national and international concern and therefore requires sustained research, institutional commitment and resilience from professionals and policymakers.
He urged postgraduate researchers to ensure that their work transcends personal or institutional bias and is instead driven by dedication, objectivity, resilience and a commitment to rigorous academic investigation.
The three-day symposium strengthened the quality of postgraduate research at Njala University while it promoted greater collaboration among researchers working to address emerging public health challenges in Sierra Leone and beyond.
