By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Fulfilling President Bio’s commitment to the people of Kono, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Madam Ramatulai Wurie, confirmed during a government press briefing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, that the Kono University of Science and Technology is set to commence full operations for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Madam Ramatulai Wurie disclosed that following the establishment of the university through an act of Parliament in 2021, the government successfully negotiated and secured a $32 million loan from the Indian Exchange Bank through the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. Additionally, the government contributed $2 million to the project, highlighting its commitment to education.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education revealed that alongside the ongoing construction, the ministry has been actively involved in necessary preparations behind the scenes. To ensure the university’s timely commencement, a transition team was set up. Madam Ramatulai Wurie expressed gratitude to the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, which provided key technical personnel to support the new university.
While construction is ongoing, and classrooms are not yet ready, the minister stated that a hotel has been temporarily designated as the university’s secretariat. Furthermore, two government technical institutes in Kono will serve as temporary locations for lectures. The minister outlined the ministry’s plan to convert government technical institutes into community colleges operating under the university.
Assuring the provision of a conducive environment and necessary technical facilities, the minister outlined twelve programs tailored to the university’s title and national development goals. Among the programs confirmed for the upcoming academic year are BSc in Mining and Engineering, BSc in Computer Science, Diploma in Information Technology, BSc in Information Systems, BSc in Livestock Management, BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Crop Production, BSc in Land Resource Management, and Diploma in Land Resource Management.
Madam Ramatulai Wurie detailed that local lecturer, including those from the Ernest Bai Koroma University, will handle the foundational courses. Additionally, the ministry plans to bring in experts from various fields, both nationally and from neighboring countries. Currently, 80 students have already applied through the newly established university portal.