President Ernest Bai Koroma delivering his statement at Njala University’s Congregation

The occasion was graced by dignitaries from all works of life including His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone cum Chancellor of the Njala University, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.

Delivering his opening remarks, President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma congratulated, among others, the graduands, parents and lecturers, for their concerted efforts that led to the wonderful moment they were marking. He however noted that much is expected from the graduands as far as nation building is concerned, whilst describing the event as a milestone in human life. President Koroma spoke of his government’s commitment to improve the status of the Njala University, whilst informing that the university’s alumni are also presently raising funds abroad in that direction. "My government is working out modalities for the relocation of the college back to the Mokonde village in the Moyamba District", he assured.

He concluded his presentation by voicing out a strong worded condemnation against the practice of cultism in all educational institutions, describing it as an obnoxious practice.

Pro Chancellor of the University, Dr. Sandy A. Bockarie started his presentation by thanking the chancellor, university authorities, state functionaries, students and other well wishers for gracing the ceremony in their numbers, despite other busy schedules. He spoke lengthily on the progress and challenges of the Njala University since 2005 when it became autonomous to date.

Making his submission, the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Edward R. Rhodes congratulated graduands for successfully going through the rigorous academic battle. He urged them to be the masters of their faith, adding that Sierra Leone as one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world only has a limited number of job opportunity. He also used the forum as an opportunity to highlight some of the challenges faced by students and lecturers in terms of resources and infrastructure for especially Freetown and Mokonde. He mentioned that the number of students in the university have witnessed a sharp increase from twelve to fifteen thousand since the university gained independence from the University of Sierra Leone.