Njala University, 28th February, 2024- Njala University celebrated a significant occasion on Friday, 23rd February and Saturday, 24th February 2024, as it conferred degrees upon 3,568 graduates, welcoming them into the job market. The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Congregation ceremonies, held at the Forecourt of the Campus Administrative Building, Njala Campus, brought together dignitaries from our line Ministry, Tertiary Education Commission, Government officials, and local authorities. The theme for the event was “Njala University at 60 Years: The Achievements, Existential Challenges, and Problem-Solving Attempts.”
According to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, the University awarded 2,636 undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various programmes. Of these, 1,562 were conferred upon male students, and 1,074 upon female students. As well, 932 Postgraduate Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas were awarded, including two PhDs in Public Health and one MPhil, with 681 male recipients and 251 female recipients.
Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma commended the students for reaching such a significant milestone in their careers and praised the University for its 60 years of existence, highlighting its ongoing commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering professional skills, knowledge, and competencies in various career paths.
“Under your esteemed leadership, Mr. Chancellor, Njala University continues to make substantial contributions to the critical sectors of our country’s economy. Our graduates can be found in workplaces both at home and abroad. I also extend my appreciation to our academic and administrative staff for their dedication to nation-building and development,” remarked Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal reported on the University’s efforts to address challenges, including infrastructure development. He mentioned the University’s growth from three schools to 12, with plans to expand further to 18 schools. To tackle infrastructural challenges, particularly amidst rising admissions, the University has proposed an Infrastructure Development Project (IDP), with copies of the project submitted to the Ministry for consideration.
“Mr. Chancellor, Honourable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is imperative that our nation’s economic transformation begins with a revitalisation of our universities. We must acknowledge that our economy cannot thrive if our universities struggle,” asserted VC&P.
He outlined several successes of his administration, including funding for staff research activities, the procurement of a 250-kilowatt solar mini-grid to provide electricity, and the development of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Open Educational Resources (OER) policies in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Additionally, partnerships have been established for the design and development of online MBA modules, and efforts have been made to improve land ownership by the University and revise graduate policies in alignment with TEC guidelines. Furthermore, substantial tuition waivers have been provided annually to staff and their children.
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