According to the former Chair of Njala University Court who is now the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor, Kandeh, believes his appointment is a continuation of the work he started since he joined the University in 1971.
“In as much as we want the University to expand to other campuses we will ensure the Secretariat remains in Mokonde,” he assured, which is in line with what the late President Kabbah established.
“For me, the challenge is to make sure we continue to diversify our programs, stand up to the competition, make sure we attract more students and make our programs quality programs so that when someone says ‘I’m a graduate of Njala University’ everybody expects quality and competence,” he said.
The new Pro-Chancellor said they are counting on government support, especially on the priority of the free education, and to sustain the support the University needs to produce quality products.
According to him, some of the problems highlighted by his predecessor largely has to do with finance and that has been noted by the government. The University Court will be very particular of making sure that there is a value for money and University funds are spent accordingly.
“Everything academic is the responsibility of the Vice Chancellor and Senate but whatever they prepare has to be approved by the University Court where we will ensure we make the University’s programs attractive to compare with existing and emerging universities” he disclosed.
“My aim is to see people speak less creole in public functions especially educational programs,” he assured. “If everyone wants to improve the quality of spoken English, we need to minimize creole in public functions,” he said.
According to the out-going Pro-Chancellor, Professor E.R Rhodes, the term of Court which he chaired expired on 31st March 2018 going to 1st May but continue to perform the duties as Pro-Chancellor at the University.
He said, “I’m pleased to formally hand over to my successor.” He expressed gratitude for serving till this time.
The University was established initially to focus on agriculture, education and supporting basic sciences it has been responded to the needs of change in society.
“This is what every University should be doing. A University cannot be static and say it was why it was established and therefore certain new programs should not be established,” he said, expressing confidence in his successor, the Vice Chancellor and team to provide the necessary advise relating to the review of the University Act that is under review.
He maintained with the new Pro-Chancellor, together with the Vice Chancellor, he believes the University will regain its past glory.
According to the Vice Chancellor of Njala University, Mansaray, the handing over ceremony has profound importance due to the importance of the University Court that the Act induced on it, explaining that the University Act of 2005 stipulates that the University Court is the highest administrative authority of the University.
President Julius Maada Bio has given notice that once the Act is amended he will cease to be the Chancellor, which is yet to be done so, “we assume he is still chancellor”.
The Vice Chancellor maintained since the President could not sit in Court and oversee it activities, that responsibility is delegated to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Court who oversees the entire administration of the Court that simples mean supervising the activities of the Court.
“The day to day administration is done by the Vice Chancellor and his team including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Registrar but the Vice Chancellor has the sacred responsibility of reporting to the Chair and the Court,” he said, explaining technically the Pro-Chancellor is the Boss of the University
