Njala DVC assures support for autonomous status
May 9, 2017 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
A total of five hundred and eighty (580) students at the Institute of Advanced Management and Technology (IAMTECH), an affiliate to Njala University, over the weekend received their degrees and diplomas in various areas of study.
The graduation ceremony at the college campus on Kissy Dockyard in Freetown attracted prominent personalities, especially senior officials from other sister colleges and universities.
Speaking at the congregation, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Alpha K. Lakkoh, assured IAMTECH of their unflinching support in ensuring that they achieve autonomous status.
“Let me inform you that IAMTECH has been working hard towards attaining autonomous university status. We will continue to be a part of that stride and give you all the support for you to be independent,” he assured.
He however, noted that the curricular and mode of acceptance of students, among others would have to be reviewed by Njala before that can be achieved.
Professor Lakkoh maintained that Njala was looking forward to IAMTECH to becoming independent hence ,they would give all the necessary support at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to make it a reality.
“Over the past 25 year, records have shown that the senior management team has made strides in the right direction which has made this college a great one in this country. We have seen records of what you have done, but we can only congratulate you and ask that you do more,” he said.
While congratulating the graduants for having gone through their courses under the tutelage of Njala University, Professor Lakkoh, opined that much of what was being done at the college, was what was required for the development of Sierra Leone.
As the government is on the part of extending tertiary education by introducing new universities, he urged the IAMTECH administration to take advantage by becoming one of those new universities.
Also, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology II, James Morlai Kamara, congratulated the graduants but noted; “Earning a degree is one but to make use of it is what really matters. I urge you all to make good use of your papers and continue to pursuing your educational aspirations and ready for the contributions to national development.”
He stressed that education is critical for national development and meeting the aspirations of the people, adding that it provides human capacity for the economy and socializes leaners into free dominant culture, norms and values.
IAMTECH Acting Principal, Dr. Michael Wundah, said the institution was proud of having been articulated the greatest pedigree of quality assurance and also conducting exams under strict condition.
“Any educational institution that does not pride itself for quality assurance has no reason to continue operating. We do conference marking. Students’ scripts are not taken home by lecturers at all. Whatever this graduates are handing today, it is well deserved,” he said.
He said the college was trying to work hard to make sure they have an autonomous status even though they were happy to be part of the affiliation arrangement with Njala University.
“We want to fight for our own independence. We are going to go by it step by step, following all the criteria. We are not going to do it under duress,” Dr. Wundah maintained.