Njala University on Wednesday 18th August signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GSM operator Africell for the improvement of ICT infrastructure and communication services at the university to support teaching, learning and research. Africel’s Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi committed his institution’s support to advancing the development of ICT services and infrastructure at various higher learning institutions in Sierra Leone including Njala University. He disclosed that Africell was happy to partner with Njala University just as they have done with other institutions and the focus, according to him, is to work towards addressing the inherent gaps in the country’s educational system especially as it relates to producing students that would be valuable technologically to modern day job market. In the long term future, the Africell CEO hinted that they would move towards supporting Njala University with short term courses to be delivered by reputable engineers from across the globe on the specifics of communication such as network distribution, transmission and networking, etc.
The vision he furthered is to enhance the capacity of graduates from these higher institutions to be able to grapple with the dynamics of modern day communication. The partnership between his institution and Njala University he concluded, would strengthen the already existing ICT facilities at Njala University, remotely support teaching, learning and research, provide students with increased data and voice services at a cheaper cost. “What we are doing here today is not about promoting the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility but an enhanced commitment to supporting the educational advancement of the country.”
Responding, Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam O.) thanked the Almighty God for aligning his vision to see a highly technological university, with Africell’s effort in providing higher educational institutions in the country with improved ICT infrastructure to aid teaching, learning and research. He extolled the exuberance and commitment of his Director of ICT, Thomas Philip Songu for tirelessly pursing the goal of having a permanent MOU with Africell. The Vice Chancellor and Principal lauded Africell Sierra Leone for supporting his institution to be able to produce students that are ready and valuable for the 21st century market especially in the areas of communication.
He assured Africell on behalf the university administration that his university will allow itself to be helped by providing the enabling environment for Africell. Professor Sankoh further noted that the School of Technology at Najla University will be fully ready to receive the benefits of the MOU and work towards actualising them for the benefits of staff and students. The MOU was signed by the CEO, Shadi Gerjawi and the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Osman Sankoh.
Njala University was also ably represented by the Director of ICT, Mr. Thomas Philip Songu; Deputy Registrar, Henry Street Location, Mrs Pearce; and the Public Relations Officer, Ralph Simeon Sesay.