SLPP Tunis Commissions Ultra-Modern Canteen
The Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema Campus, witnessed a historic milestone on October 1st, 2026, as The Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Honourable Member of Parliament representing Pujehun District, officially commissioned the university’s ultra-modern Students’ Canteen.
The state-of-the-art facility, fully sponsored and constructed by Dr. Tunis, has been hailed as a major boost to student welfare and campus life.
The colourful commissioning ceremony attracted the University Administration, lecturers, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) led by Miss Mariame Keita, students, and distinguished guests from across Kenema District.
In his address, Hon. Tunis reaffirmed his continuous support to ETU-SL, noting that just as he has consistently supported student development initiatives and campus infrastructure programs at Fourah Bay College, Njala University, UNIMAK, Milton Margai Technical University and other universities across Sierra Leone, ETU-SL will continue to benefit from his support.
He stated that his support for student initiatives is rooted in a conviction that young people deserve opportunities to shape the environments in which they learn. He referenced the Political Science Garden at Fourah Bay College and the entrance-gate project at Njala University’s Mokonde Campus as reflections of that same interest in student-centred development.
“Here at Eastern Technical University, the canteen responds to a need of its own. Each initiative draws its value from the people it serves and the care with which it is sustained,” Hon. Tunis noted.
In a compassionate gesture that drew thunderous applause, Hon. Tunis pledged to settle the graduation fees for over thirty (30) students who have successfully completed their academic requirements but cannot afford the fees to participate in this year’s graduation.
Hon. Tunis also acknowledged the immense dedication of the lecturers of the institution, commending them for their sacrifice in shaping the future of young Sierra Leoneans and encouraging them to provide continuous guidance and support in managing the canteen and other infrastructural developments on campus.
He further encouraged a constructive partnership between the Administration and the Students’ Union Government, emphasizing shared responsibility for the sustainability of the facility.
According to Hon. Tunis, students can explain how the service works in practice, while the Administration can provide guidance, oversight and continuity. He called on both sides to give concerns a fair hearing and act on them within a reasonable time.
“A well-run canteen will be a quiet but daily demonstration that the university listens to its students and takes their welfare seriously,” he said.
He further submitted that his greatest satisfaction will be to know that the canteen continues to fulfil its purpose; that students can use it with confidence, that its surroundings remain clean and that its management is responsive to their needs.
He called for constructive partnership between Administration and Students’ Union. “I hope that, in time, many of you will return as graduates to support another generation. Your contribution may be a mentorship, an internship, equipment or a facility. Whatever form it takes, remember the difference that practical support can make to a young person’s journey,” he admonished students.
Hon. Tunis thanked the SUG President, Miss Mariame Keita and her Executive for such a laudable project implementation and assured them of his cooperation and commitment towards student affairs throughout his career.
He concluded by sincerely thanking the University Administration, SUG President, Miss Mariame Keita, and her Executive, fellow supporters and everyone whose work brought the project to fruition.
“To the students, enjoy this facility and preserve it with pride. May the meals shared here renew your strength, may the conversations broaden your understanding, and may the friendships formed here endure beyond your years on campus,” he said.
The program climaxed with Hon. Tunis and delegation joining students, lecturers and other guests to launch the canteen and serving lunch in the canteen, demonstrating his commitment to building a good relationship between students and administrators in terms of education and canteen management.
Speaker after speaker, the students and administration on behalf of the university, thanked Hon. Tunis for his unparalleled support to higher education in Sierra Leone, while SUG President, Miss Mariame Keita, described the day as historic for ETU-SL.