USL ends fundraising conference

The University of Sierra Leone (USL) concluded a two-day conference at the Miatta Conference Hall Brook Fields in Freetown, with the theme: “Funding the University of Sierra Leone, Prospects and Challenges in a dynamic economy and Global Environment’’.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the occasion Madam Bernadette Lahai (in photo) deliberated that, the University should not depend only on Government funding adding that, the forum is a platform for authority of the university to think the way forward in transforming the university to a vibrant learning institution “That is why the conference invited stakeholders to brainstorm on how to enhance funding for the University of Sierra Leone,’’ said Lahai.

In his welcome address, the Registrar of University of Sierra Leone Mr. Sorie Dumbuya said, the performance contract that Government intended to sign with the University authority is a laudable initiative that would force authorities of the institution to review their internal sources. He maintained that USL is the premier institution of higher learning in this country followed by others.

Delivering his statement, the Minister of Education Science and Technology, Dr. Minkailu Bah expressed happiness and described the process as a matter of great satisfaction on his own part as a Minister. He emphasized that he was very pleased with the changes that are happening now in the university which according to him he believes it will materialize. “We have to restore and change some of our courses in the university,” he said. The education minister maintained and further explained that over the years the Government of Sierra Leone has been funding the USL through annual subventions. The Minister highlighted that subventions to tertiary institutions have increased.

However, the Minister made it clear that, between 2013-2014 academic years, the students became agitated for the general increase of the University fees with the saying that the fee has become enormous in a way that most students will not be able to afford the stated amount. The Minister called on Students to realize that tertiary education is not free or cheap but means to be paid for. In that purview, the minister said Government has subsidized 80% of the fees for all students depending on the course one is studying.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) Dr. Kalfala Marah called on Sierra Leoneans to sit down and engage in an open frank discussion to foster the advancement of the University. As the Minister of Finance , he said all of us must come together and decide that by 2035, the country should become a middle income country, a development he said is embedded in the country’s development through the ‘Agenda for Prosperity’ adding that Government is looking forward to getting the University leading the process. He buttressed that the Tertiary institutions should sign performance contract with His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma if the country is to succeed in its developmental plan.

Taking the podium, the Pro Chancellor, of the University of Sierra Leone Rev. Canon Dr. Modupeh Taylor Pierce, said the conference should be seen as a reaffirmation of our joy and pride in the heritage of the University of Sierra Leone. He demonstrated readiness to go forward and helped to solve the problems of our nation.

By Abdulai Mento Kamara

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