The Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) held its congregation ceremony for the 2023-2024 academic year on Saturday, 14th December 2024, conferring Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates to 2,848 graduates. The event occurred at the Peace and Love Amphitheatre on the Goderich Campus in Freetown.
The program began with an opening prayer, invoking blessings upon the graduates and the ceremony. The Chancellor of MMTU officially declared the congregation open, signalling the commencement of proceedings.
Her Excellency, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, delivered the keynote address, a moment that resonated deeply with the audience. She encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation and commit themselves to serving society. The First Lady revealed significant national achievements, including the enactment of laws preventing child marriages for girls under the age of 18 and stricter penalties for sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.
Highlighting the role of women in governance, she stated that 30% of women are now part of decision-making processes, citing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act. She urged the graduates to manage their expectations as they embark on their careers and thanked President Julius Maada Bio for transforming the institution into a Technical University. She further noted that Sierra Leone is counting on the graduates to implement the "Big Five Game Changers" to advance the country’s development.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Philip John Kanu, presented a comprehensive report on the university’s achievements, ongoing projects, and future aspirations. He praised the graduates' hard work and resilience throughout their academic journeys. Professor Kanu described the day as a great honour for the institution and extended profound gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for his visionary leadership in transforming MMTU.
He highlighted significant achievements, including the government’s successful solicitation of $20 million in funding from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to renovate MMTU’s three campuses. For the first time in the university’s 60-year history, the funding will facilitate the construction of a new administrative building, an auditorium seating over 5,000 people, and a sea-facing amphitheatre.
Professor Kanu further noted that President Bio’s commitment to gender equality has created a safe and enabling environment for women and girls to thrive, citing the recent enactment of the Gender Bill. He catalogued additional achievements, including:
Formulation of a strategic plan for institutional transformation.
Financial sustainability initiatives and quality assurance measures.
Building global partnerships, such as Erasmus-funded entrepreneurial projects.
Establishment of a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory, one of the best in the country.
Launching the Endowment Fund during the institution’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised MMTU’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, including road construction leading to the campus at Congo Cross and community street lighting projects. However, he highlighted land encroachment as a significant challenge facing the institution.
The Chancellor, Dr Victor E.A. Kabia, delivered an inspiring message, urging the graduates to utilise their skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving education and creating opportunities for young professionals.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Ali Jalloh, welcomed guests and expressed pride in the graduates' achievements and the university's continuous growth. He emphasised that graduation marks the beginning of a lifelong educational journey and encouraged graduates to embody MMTU's core values.
The ceremony's highlights included the conferment of Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates, a pledge to join the Alumni Association led by Mr. Ishmeal Kabbay, and the presentation of awards. Mr. Adonis Aboud of Transnational Sierra Leone Limited presented prizes to the best-performing female graduate, Finda Rosaline Tarawallie, and male graduate, Arthur Dominic Margai. Both students were recognised as the best-performing graduates, with additional awards from a telecommunications company.
The MMTU congregation ceremony was a fitting tribute to the graduating class's hard work and accomplishments. It underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its pivotal role in shaping Sierra Leone's future.
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