By: Aminata Sesay
Newly installed Chancellor of Eastern Technical University (ETU), Professor Joe A.D. Alie, has pledged to transform the institution into a centre of excellence driven by quality education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking during his installation ceremony on Friday, 3 July 2026, Professor Alie described his appointment as both a great honour and a profound responsibility. He expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone for the confidence reposed in him.
He said his tenure would focus on strengthening collaboration with the University Court, management, government institutions, development partners, faculty, and other stakeholders to advance ETU’s mission while maintaining high academic standards, institutional integrity, and sound governance.
Professor Alie emphasized that the University’s success should not be measured solely by its physical expansion but by the quality, relevance, and impact of its academic programmes, research, and graduates on national development.
He outlined plans to strengthen practical skills training, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed to address Sierra Leone’s development challenges, particularly in the areas of technology, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, and infrastructure.
The Chancellor also underscored the importance of stronger partnerships between academia, industry, government, and development partners, noting that sustainable institutional growth depends on collaboration, accountability, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Addressing students, Professor Alie urged them to remain disciplined, reject illicit drug use, use social media responsibly, and embrace hard work, integrity, and lifelong learning. He stressed that critical thinking, innovation, and knowledge are essential for both personal success and national transformation.
Representing the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara congratulated Professor Alie on his appointment and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening technical and higher education under the Human Capital Development Agenda.
He noted that Eastern Technical University has made significant progress since attaining university status in 2021 and expressed confidence that Professor Alie’s extensive academic experience and leadership would further enhance the institution’s reputation and accelerate its development.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted ongoing government reforms aimed at improving quality assurance, institutional governance, research, innovation, and technical and vocational education to produce graduates equipped with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and national development.
In his closing remarks, Professor Alie described Eastern Technical University as a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone’s future and called on students, staff, alumni, government, and development partners to work together in building an institution renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and dedicated service to the nation.