AYV News May 18, 2023
Her Excellency the First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has officially signed an Agreement with the American International University for the construction of a multi-million dollars ultra-modern American International University that will house about 4000 students at a go.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed thanks and appreciations to her husband, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for giving her the free will and opportunity to complement his wok.
She also thanked the leadership of the 34 Military Hospital for believing in her and allowing her to undertake constructions work within the hospital.
The first lady explained how she first come to know about the American International University when she received a letter from the University about a humanitarian award, they wanted to offer her.
“After properly researching about the University, I realised that they are credible, I engaged the leadership of the University and demanded that they come to Sierra Leone and construct their facility that will help change the face of our country’s medical field.
“After several negotiations and consultations, I was able to convince the leadership of the University to construct the Sierra Leone branch here in 34 Military Hospital.” Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said.
She signed an Agreement with the representative of the American International University, and the Minister of Defense for the construction and operationalisation of the University in Sierra Leone.
Earlier, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio who was also part of the signing said: “The project combines two important components of his Human Capital Development Programme – Healthcare and Education.
“It is indisputable that healthcare and education are the pillars of a progressive society and a pathway for elevating poor and marginalised population to a thriving and sustainable future.
“I have been informed that as an international institution, the American International University is committed to providing a rigorous educational experience that prepares students to be global citizens who can engage effectively with diverse cultures and perspectives.
“In the last five years despite the twin global economic crises of Covid19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russian war, his Government has increased the annual budgetary allocation to healthcare from 6% in 2018 to 11.6% in 2021; constructed or rehabilitated 200 more health facilities nationwide; supported the specialists training of doctors in-country; trained almost 1,500 midwives; reduced infant and maternal mortality rates below the West African average; reduced stunting rates among children under five below the African average and increased children’s immunization rates among the highest in Africa.
“Despite these remarkable achievements in five short years, we are still determined to do more” President Bio said.
The University, when completed, will have a world-class campus which will include teaching and training facility, state of the art audio visual classrooms, and laboratories incorporating new technologies for training, library and other student services.
A representative from the American International University, Dr Dennis Shukla, said it was a privilege for them to have the American International University in Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone.
“You are the architect for this modern Sierra Leone,” he said, adding that he was a leader with an admirable passion for education.
He also commended Dr. Fatima Bio for her zest in ensuring that the project was started and ended by assuring of quality construction of the building.
