Njala University has officially commenced construction of a modern Medical School building at its Bo Campus, Kowama location, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of medical education in Sierra Leone. The sod-turning ceremony, held on March 24, 2026, brought together key stakeholders from Government, academia and the health sector, all underscoring the strategic importance of the project to national development.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Sahr Moses Gevao, described the occasion as a historic step toward the establishment of a fully-fledged Medical School. He noted that the university has already laid critical groundwork, including the development of anatomy and physiology laboratories, as well as the recruitment and training of qualified academic and technical personnel. He further emphasized that the medical curriculum has been carefully aligned with both national and international standards, supported by investments in essential textbooks and digital learning platforms.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, highlighted the project as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening both medical education and the country’s healthcare system. He explained that the new facility will feature modern teaching spaces, laboratories and simulation environments designed to train competent and ethically grounded health professionals. He added that the university is adopting an integrated approach that combines education, research and service delivery, guided by the One Health framework. Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma commended the Government, development partners and the Bo community for their continued support, describing the project as a foundation for a lasting legacy.
Providing an overview of the project, the Director of Physical Plant Services, Santigie Sesay, disclosed that the Medical School building will be an L-shaped, two-storey structure designed to meet modern sustainability standards with a gold-standard rating. According to him, the facility will include six classrooms with a combined capacity of 1,200 students, two laboratories, four offices and adequate restroom facilities. He revealed that the project is being funded through a university bank loan and internal contributions, with construction commencing in March 2026 and to be completed by August 2026. United Construction and Engineering Services has been contracted to execute the project.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Bo Campus, Professor Rashid Ansumana, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the project. He noted that the Directorate of Physical Plant Services will closely supervise the construction process to ensure adherence to high-quality standards. He expressed confidence in the technical team, stating that the building is expected to be completed within five months and ready for use in the next academic year.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Deputy Minister, Dr. Charles Edward Lahai Senesie described the initiative as timely and aligned with national health priorities. He stressed that Sierra Leone continues to face a shortage of trained health professionals, making investments in medical education both urgent and necessary. He added that the new facility will expand training capacity, improve learning conditions and reduce reliance on foreign institutions for medical training. Dr. Charles Edward Lahai Senesie reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the initiative, noting that its long-term benefits will be reflected in improved healthcare delivery nationwide.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, emphasized the importance of institutional self-reliance, particularly in the context of limited public resources. He commended Njala University for its proactive approach, noting that such initiatives not only enhance infrastructure but also strengthen institutional credibility and attract strategic partnerships. He encouraged continued collaboration between Government and higher education institutions to sustain progress in the sector.
The commencement of the Medical School building project marks a major step forward for Njala University and signals renewed hope for the development of a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Sierra Leone.
