By Amin Kef Sesay
In a position paper presented by concerned students on Government grant-in-aid at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology they made a passionate plea for Government’s intervention in the payment of their tuition fees in order for them to complete their courses of study.
They recalled that in 2016, they gladly received news of the commencement of operations of the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Freetown; for which they were deservingly awarded Government scholarship to pursue higher studies in various relevant courses under the globally acclaimed disciplines of Science, Technology and Innovation.
They added that “our statutory document clearly underscores the importance of Science and Technology in the education system of the country and the mandatory national service beneficiaries of Government grant-in-aid shall undergo upon graduation as outlined in Section 54 and 55 of the 2004 Education Act respectively. Most remarkably, a two-year national service for us the beneficiaries of Government grant-in-aid at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is boldly anticipated as inscribed in our acceptance letters. This reinforces the huge investment returns Government stands to gain in hiring the services of professionals who would’ve graduated from the University.”
They lamented however that “We the 1,000 and more beneficiaries of the Government scholarship are very much inspired and determined to successfully complete our various courses. The 2018/19 academic year records the population of Government sponsored students as represented figures.”
They added that they frustrated because “As we acknowledge the renewed vigour of the Government in its strides to bolster accessibility and assure quality in the educational outcome across the country, we equally want to draw the attention of the Government to the rare taste of quality or value the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology comes with to the process.”
They however added that “Sadly, the indefinite suspension of classes and the protracted review of the contract have left all student beneficiaries and well-meaning education stakeholders completely disillusioned. Even though our dreams have been deferred, we are not giving up on our aspirations to contribute meaningfully to national development. Therefore, we are making a passionate last gasp plea for government to hearken to our cries and restore our hopes.”
The students made the following demands: “That Government in its good efforts to make education a priority and accessible for all speedily ensures the resumption of classes for students on government grant-in-aid at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology between now and any appropriate date in February 2021.”
