By Abubakarr Harding
The Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) on Saturday 17th December 2022 inducted over 3,000 students for the 2002/2003 academic at which ceremony the Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, Dr. Philip John Kanu, asserted that the day is very important for the students, acclaimed them for coming to the University when people are fighting to bring it down, that he is not corrupt and would fight for the welfare of students revealing that lecturers do not have the right to sleep with students.
The well-attended event took place at the Peace and Love Amphitheatre, Goderich campus in Freetown.
Dr. Kanu continued that he would do all within his power to protect students, that MMTU is the citadel of learning where people are taught the rudiments of responsibility assuring that they have very good lecturers and also commended the Deans and other lecturers for screening and admitting the students, that the future is in the hands of lecturers as they would have to train students but observed that they cannot give all to students.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal also warned students to respect even cleaners and gardeners as well as lecturers who are their parents, go through the institution properly to stand the test of time reminding all that the institution has zero tolerance on cultism, underscored that they must take their education seriously by attending classes regularly, reading, doing their assignments on time and encouraged them to pursue higher courses up to PhD level.
The Vice Principal and Director of Studies of MMTU, Dr. Mohamed Jalloh congratulated and welcomed those matriculating to the nascent university especially taking into consideration the rigid admission process this year, informed that the institution would be 60 years old next year and underscored that the ideals of the MMTU have remained the same over the years.
He continued that the ceremony is important for all universities the world over affirming the significance of the oath taking and allegiance to the institution as full fledge members of the academic community having fulfilled the necessary requirements to enjoy the full rights and privileges of the MMTU.
He further informed that some of their rights among others include to be accommodated in the hostels when available, use of the library, vote and be voted for in Students’ Union elections as well as represent the university but warned them to maintain law and order, pay their fees, protect college property, respect authority and colleagues, keep the campus clean, avoid cultism, sexual misconduct, examination malpractices and other vices.
Dr. Mohamed Jalloh also wished that the students would complete their courses on time.
The oath taking was performed by the Dean of Social Sciences, Ishmael Kebbay who cautioned the students to maintain values, rules and regulations as they read aloud in unison, “I promise to render due obedience to all in authority as they concern me. So help me God.”
The formal pronouncement of the students as members of the institution was performed by the registrar, Sheriffu Bangura who stated that by the power vested in him by the MMTU Court, they were now bona fide students of the University adding that the ceremony is the first step to them acquiring more knowledge and applauded their parents and sponsors for their support.
Elizabeth Taylor-Morgan, the Dean of Education in her statement of felicitation reiterated that the day is very important after their orientation, that they have started a great journey, that others did not make it, that they should count themselves lucky and make maximum use of their time, study hard and avoid all sorts of malpractices.
Highlights of the event were the symbolic signing of the register presided over by the Deputy Registrar, Melisa Wray, singing of the University Song, the procession of academic and administrative staff and the vote of thanks by a student.
