Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University, (MMTU), Dr. Philip John Kanu, on Saturday 1st March 2025, revealed that the institution would soon regain its past glory, and that he has a dedicated staff and commended the Students Union for its integrity and exemplary performance.
He made the statement at the matriculation ceremony of over 2,800 students for the 2024/2025 academic year at the Peace and Love Amphitheatre, Goderich Campus in Freetown on the theme “The Power of Perseverance in Student Academic Success.”
According to Dr. Kanu, the ceremony is significant, as the students embark on this “exciting journey”, reminding them that some of their colleagues who applied could not make it, and entreated them to make good use of the opportunity, asserting that they would experience challenges and successes, but that they must not relent.
He continued that the matriculants must approach their studies with determination, and urged lecturers who have not met the requirements for the new university status, to improve themselves and move on, as they have received their end of service benefits and other allowances, for which he commended the Ministry of Finance for regular and prompt payment of their salaries.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal also appealed to lecturers to teach and not to harass students, and students to adhere to the guidelines governing the institution as well as pay their fees promptly, report any form of harassment or misconduct, as their wellbeing is paramount to the institution. He warned against cultism, urging them to build positive relations with their peers and not to take drugs and other harmful substances.
Dr. Kanu also warned lecturers against the sale of pamphlets and collecting money for assignments, and urged students to participate in all activities, visit the university website and read the noticeboard to keep abreast with developments in the university, underscoring that they are at MMTU to study and pass with flying colours.
He continued that students must understand the values of academic excellence, build and maintain healthy relationships, explore the intricacies of their major subjects, attend classes regularly and do their assignments, clear their references, as the world is waiting to reward them, and above all, be God-fearing. He assured that the university would provide the conducive teaching and learning environment, reiterating that MMTU is a place of opportunities and discoveries.
In his address on the theme: “The Power of Perseverance in Student Academic Success,” the guest speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Gaima, Secretary to the President, disclosed that President Julius Maada Bio is the champion of human capital development in Africa, asserting that a country’s greatest asset is its human resource and that Sierra Leone is in a hurry to develop.
He described perseverance as a very essential element of anything one wants to do, that there are two phases in life, that there are always hurdles in life, and entreated the matriculants to set goals and attain them, be sincere to themselves, and admonished parents and communities to imbibe the attributes of perseverance, underscoring that hard work and success are the only way out, that they must be patient and self-disciplined.
Dr. Gaima further encouraged the matriculants to be tolerant, not be distracted by the enemies of perseverance and material things, adding that failure is not an end, revealing that some of the technology giants in America, who did not complete school or university, are now controlling the US economy. He concluded by congratulating the matriculants.
The Acting Head of Social Studies Department, MMTU, Mr. Ishmeal B. Kebbay, administered the oath taking to the students, who among others, pledged to abide by the rules and regulations governing the university as they relate to them, as well as obey those in authority. Ms. Melissa Kabia pronounced the matriculants as bona fide students of MMTU, while Ms. Aminata Bangura, Acting Head of the Brookfields Campus, read the statements of felicitations, revealing that the students are welcome to a journey that is challenging, but rewarding, reminding them that they are not at MMTU only to learn, but to innovate and inspire, grow and excel. She appealed to them to engage with their peers and lecturers, nurture the strength to pursue, be bold and strong.
She furthered that the students are bound to face challenges, but that they must persevere, ask questions and surround themselves with like-minded individuals.
Earlier, the Vice Principal and Director of Studies, MMTU, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, welcomed all at the ceremony, which he described as an august gathering, asserting that the institution has stood stoutly through thick and thin.
He described the guest speaker as an erudite speaker, who has contributed to the development of the institution from a baby university to its current status, and congratulated the matriculants for the milestone achievement, reminding them that the road has not been smooth and can even become more hazardous as they continue their academic journey.
Highlights of the well-attended event were reminiscences by old students, sample signing of the University Register and the vote of thanks that was rendered by a student, Susan Kandeh.