By Amin Kef Sesay
The readiness of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in upgrading the Eastern Polytechnic into the first Technical University of Sierra Leone has been confirmed by the Chief Minister, Prof David Francis. This disclosure was made on Friday 12th June 2020.
In his statement, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that Cabinet has unanimously agreed and ratified the document that was tabled before them for the establishment of a University in the Eastern Region. Giving an over view of his visit, he said, he feels pleased with the new administration and encouraged them to continue pressing on so that the long awaited history will be actualised. The Chief Minister pledged its support to make sure that the Eastern Polytechnic by law becomes a university.
The Registrar of Eastern Polytechnic, Mr. John Juana, on behalf of the Administration expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education for their assiduous efforts in actualising the dreams of all. He also called on the Leader of Government, Hon. Shar Mathew Nyuma and all members of parliament to be vigilant and steadfast so that when the document would have been tabled in Parliament, they can speedily fast-track the transformational bill legally.
The Registrar furthered that there was no turning back hence Cabinet has given its approval. He remarkably pointed out that the President’s flagship programme of capacitating the human resource of this nation is second to none. “With the Technical University of Sierra Leone we are assured of much more quality productions and the expansion of entrepreneurships that will help students create employment for themselves,” the Registrar echoed.
He thanked the Government for the tremendous efforts it has made in the long awaited transformation and said they are optimistic of the long awaited realities furthering how they were pleased to inform all and sundry that the Bio lead Government has helped in capacitating the academic staff by awarding scholarships from Master Degrees unto PhD.
In attendance were; the Paramount Chief of Nongowa P.C Kapuwa, Hon. Shar Mathew Nyuma, Hon. Boston Munda, Mr. Kokofele the Commissioner General of NaSCA and several others. They all pledged their continuous support in making sure they use all they have to actualise this dream of the Eastern Polytechnic to a modern University in Sierra Leone.
