The government over the weekend boycotted the second annual awards banquet by the University of Sierra Leone at Hotel Kimbima.
The awards banquet is celebrated to award excellence and productivity by students and staff of the university.
Unlike last year’s awards, which were hosted at the Country Lodge, the former vice president was represented by the former Finance minister. But there was no presence of any government official at this year’s award ceremony, but the President who automatically becomes Chancellor of the University after being sworn into office was represented by the Pro-chancellor of the university, Professor Strasser King. The education minister, Dr Minkailu Bah and his two deputies were also absent.
The vice president, who was rumoured to be present, was also conspicuously absent but despite the absenteeism, the university awarded 44 students from the Institute of Public Administration and Management, Fourah Bay College and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences who did not only earn good degrees but scored high grades in their modules.
Nine staff were also awarded and two awarded for extra ordinary past service, and continuing contribution to education and research in the university to professors A.M Taqi and Edward Rhodes.
Doctor R. Willoughby received the award for long term quality service given gratis to the university.
Giving his message, the vice chancellor and principal of the university, Professor Aiah Gbakima, said the introduction of the award had become an added impetus to students in their studies and motivation to staff.
He wished more awards would be given in the field of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and other courses offered at COMAHS.
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