The tripartite meeting held at the University Secretariat had in attendance representatives from the land holding families, Njala University Administration and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment.
Making a statement, Vice Chancellor and Principal, Njala University, Professor Abdullah Mansaray said he was overwhelmed knowing that the long outstanding land dispute over title to land by the University Administration which he inherited had lingered for decades without any solution noting that respite and calm have now been restored following interventions of notable personalities including His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Court, Prof. Herbert Bob Kandeh, Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment, Paramount Chief of Kori Chiefdom, Tribal authorities, land holding families and members of staff. He pleaded with the land holding families present to join them in rebranding the image of Njala University citing lots of developmental plans underway which he said will be for the good of Kori Chiefdom and its immediate environs.
Minister of Lands, Housing and the Environment, Dr. Denise Sandy commended the land holding families for their commitments and resolve to relinquish ownership of their title of acreages of land to the University Administration in good faith adding that they are poised to promoting the ideals of the President’s Flagship programme of Free Quality Education. He said in the not too distant future, Njala University will usher in lots of developmental projects and massive job opportunities for children of Kori Chiefdom and beyond.
Head of the Land Holding Families, Prince Kapkata said they as bonafide and traditional land holding families fully embrace the resolutions reached at courtesy of the Minister of Lands, Housing and the Environment and to further convey goodwill message to President Bio that they are in full support of his flagship programme. He warned against encroachment on their part and promised to abide by all the recommendations in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Accordingly, a land lease agreement for the establishment of then Njala University College was entered into by the Tribal Authorities of Kori Chiefdom and the Government of Sierra Leone on 20th October, 1956. It was signed by S. E. Kombey and A.S. Briwah on behalf of the tribal authorities and Governor M. H Dorman signed on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone witnessed by PC James Gbapi.
Signing of A Memorandum of Understanding between representatives of land holding families and Njala University Administration witnessed by the Minister of Lands, His Deputy and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Isreal Jigba climaxed the ceremony.
