23/09/2025
NJALA UNIVERSITY SIGNED MOU WITH KEY MINISTRIES TO ADVANCE EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION
By Essa Juana Mbawah
Njala University on Friday, 19th September 2025, hosted a high-profile signing ceremony at its main campus, marking the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with key government ministries. The agreement aims to strengthen education, promote research, and enhance civil-military cooperation in Sierra Leone.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Basiru Koroma, expressed optimism that the partnership would open new opportunities for innovation, capacity building, and national development.
Several stakeholders delivered statements during the event, including the Deputy Minister of Defense, Colonel (Rtd.) Muana Brima Massaquoi, who underscored the importance of academia-security collaboration for peace and stability.
The Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Sahr Moses Gevao, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence in higher education and research, while the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Rex Bonafai (serving as Acting Minister) highlighted the relevance of transport and aviation in boosting education and national progress.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Director of Higher Education, Edmond J. Momoh, explained the purpose of the MOU, noting that it is designed to foster collaboration between universities and key ministries in order to enhance research, improve knowledge-sharing, and develop solutions that address national challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Sajor Aziz Kamara, commended Njala University for taking bold steps to align academia with national priorities. He emphasized that the MOU would serve as a blueprint for inter-ministerial cooperation in advancing education and socio-economic growth.
The event was also witnessed by several other stakeholders, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Bah, the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of Navy Staff from the Ministry of Defense, lecturers, the Superintendent of Njala University Bonthe, administrative staff, community stakeholders, and members of the media.
The signing ceremony concluded with a strong call for collective action to drive innovation, research, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.