The 2020/2021 academic year matriculation ceremony of students of the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic took place at the Peace and Love Amphitheatre, Goderich campus past weekend.

The principal of the MMCET, Dr. Philip John Kanu observed that the day is great for the marticulants, that the college is at a crossroad as it is being transformed from a polytechnic to a Technical University, that the students gained admission after President Dr. Julius Maada Bio proclaimed the institution a Technical University adding that the President has also improved the college within a very short period.

According to the principal, out of 4,500 applicants only 2,379 were lucky to be admitted into the college and revealed that the Technical University Bill is now in parliament for ratification underscoring that life is full of many uncertainties but that if one does not take the risk he/she would not know the uncertainties.

Dr. Kanu said the college has a special place in Sierra Leone and entreated the marticulants to be studious as the college is a place of intellectual challenges for them to become free through knowledge and truth affirming that the college is renowned for quality assurance, quality teaching, research and services and encouraged them to be part of the history making.

He also pleaded with the female marticulants to explore knowledge, attend lectures regularly and do their assignments warning that the college has zero tolerance on cultism, indiscipline, examination malpractices and other vices and disclosed that the college would improve on its extra-curriculum activities as well as make good use of its resources through a transparent and accountable process but encouraged students to promptly pay their fees otherwise they will not be allowed to take their examinations, keep the campus clean, report those who misbehave and protect the college’s property that is theirs.

Dr. Kanu further assured that the college would provide the conducive environment for effective learning and maximum security on campus, enlightened that the college can now compete with others internationally, that training of the middle-level manpower like auto-mechanics would soon commence as well as drivers, commercial motorbike and tricycle riders.

Earlier, welcoming all at the ceremony, the Vice Principal of the MMCET, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh reminded marticulants that the ceremony is to officially welcome them as bonifide students of the college, that the event is significant, that they are lucky to be accepted as the admission process was very competitive, long, arduous and thorough and revealed that they are the best among the rest.

He also urged them to make good use of the opportunity and to count themselves lucky disclosing that the college has witnessed tremendous transformation over the past three years and encouraged them to join the bandwagon of progress adding that they must ensure that they attend lectures regularly, do their assignments cautioning that the college has zero tolerance on cultism, corruption and examination malpractices. 

The Vice Principal also appealed to the matriculants to respect their colleagues, lecturers and college authorities, congratulated them for the achievement, that the ceremony is a serious business and that they are a source of pride to their parents, friends and community and also to become proud alumnus of the noble institution.  

The Dean of the Bookfields Campus, Mrs. Alima Jumu reminded the matriculants that oath taking is a serious obligation and urged them to uphold their obligations.

The formal pronouncement was made by the college’s registrar, Mr. Sherifu Bangura.

In her statement of felicitation, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor-Morgan congratulated the matriculants as they officially enter the college, recalled that the admission process was stressful and reminded them to deeply reflect on the process and to remain focused on their studies.

She also articulated that they did not make a mistake to choose the college and wished them great success assuring that the college has received them with open hands.

Earlier, the matriculants, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and senior administrative staff processed from the Students Union Canteen to the Peace and Love Amphitheatre.

Highlights of the ceremony were performances by four local artists, Oath Taking and Sample Signing of the College’s Register led by Mr. Bockarie Sillah while the vote of thanks was rendered by a first year student, Veronica Pewa.