Benevolent School lauds Prof.Philip Kanu
By Alex Lawrence Koroma
The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni, a beacon of educational excellence in Sierra Leone, recently concluded its 22nd annual inter-house athletics sports meeting with a notable presence and support from the esteemed Vice Chancellor and Principal of Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Prof. Philip John Kanu. As a distinguished alumnus and current Board Chairman of the school, Prof. Kanu’s commitment to advancing the institution’s development agenda has been widely recognized and appreciated by the school and the community.
The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni has earned a reputation for nurturing and producing outstanding individuals, who have gone on to make significant contributions across various sectors, both within and outside the country. Prof. Philip John Kanu stands as a prime example of the school’s legacy, now serving as the Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, and concurrently chairing the Board of Directors of his alma mater. Since assuming his role as board chairman, Prof. Kanu has been instrumental in driving progress and innovation within the school, striving to enhance its standing in the education sector and beyond.
During the recent 22nd annual inter-house athletics sports meeting held at The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni, Prof. Philip John Kanu exemplified his unwavering commitment to the school’s success, by gracing the event with his presence and providing generous support. Not only did he attend the sporting event, but he also personally donated cash prizes to all four houses that participated in the two-day sports competition. This gesture demonstrated his dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and sportsmanship among the students, and encouraging their active participation in extracurricular activities.
In his address at the opening ceremony of the final day of the inter-house athletics sports meeting, Prof. Kanu emphasized the value of sports as a unifying force that promotes peace, unity, love, and happiness among individuals. He highlighted the significance of returning to his hometown of Makeni to support his alma mater, underscoring the school’s core values of discipline, progress, and decency. Prof. Kanu acknowledged the school’s role in shaping the lives of numerous prominent citizens who have excelled in various fields of development, both nationally and internationally.
Speaking on behalf of the school’s alumni and current authorities, Prof. Kanu articulated a shared vision of building upon the institution’s past successes, while addressing existing challenges to ensure continued growth and excellence. He reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards of academic achievement to prepare students for future success in higher education institutions in Sierra Leone and beyond. Prof. Kanu’s commitment to upholding the school’s legacy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, reflects his dedication to ensuring that future generations of students benefit from a quality education that empowers them to excel in their chosen fields.
Accompanying Prof. Philip John Kanu at the inter-house athletics sports meeting were his Public Relations Officer, Madam Elizabeth Sesay, senior lecturers from Milton Margai Technical University, and members of the media, including the Managing Editor of The DRONE Newspaper, MR Alex Lawrence Koroma. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the collective effort to support and promote educational excellence in Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, the 22nd annual inter-house athletics sports meeting at The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni, served as a testament to the school’s enduring legacy of academic excellence, sportsmanship, and community engagement. With the steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment of individuals like Prof. Philip John Kanu, the school is poised to continue its tradition of producing well-rounded individuals, who contribute meaningfully to society. Through collaborative efforts and a shared dedication to educational advancement, institutions like The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni play a vital role in shaping the future of Sierra Leone and empowering its youths to achieve success and make a positive impact on the world stage.
Finally, also in attendance was the ace journalist, former President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and BBC reporter in Sierra Leone, Umaru Fofanah, other old students of The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School Makeni, some senior members of The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, security forces and some stakeholders in Makeni and Bombali district at large, who were present to support The Benevolent Islamic Secondary School’s 22nd annual inter-house athletics sports meeting.
This year’s Benevolent Islamic Secondary School Makeni annual inter-house athletics sport meet ended with ROPOLON HOUSE(RED) taking the first position with 679 points, ROGBANEH HOUSE(GREEN) taking the second position with 529 points, MASUBA HOUSE(YELOW) taking the third position with 527 and MAKAMA HOUSE(BLUE) taking the fourth position with 489 points. The record making event ended with dancing and partying by pipuls, teachers, parents, and other well-wishers of the School.