Sierra Eye: President Kabbah Attends Njala University Congregation

Njala University on Saturday 24th February 2007 held its second annual congregation for the conferment of degrees, diplomas and certificates to students who have successfully completed various courses at the University. The occasion which was held at the Bo Coronation grouds was attended by the President and Chancellor of Njala University, Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Before officially opening the congregation, President Kabbah took this opportunity to address the people on the issue of the death of Sam Hinga Norman, indictee at the Special Court for Sierra Leone and former Minister in his government. The President admonished the people to beware of the politics of lies and rumour mongering stating that some people are moving around spreading destructive rumours about the death of Chief Sam Hinga Norman just to create animosity among the people. He dispelled the rumour that Chief Norman's death was orchestrated. President Kabbah explained that the hip replacement operation Chief Norman went through was a very risky operation, and several other people like Chief Norman have been unlucky to survive such an operation even in Europe. He described the late Chief Sam Hinga Norman as an exemplarary government Minister and very collaborative.

The President further explained that they were all quite emotional about Chief Norman's indictment, but there was no way anyone could have interfered as government had committed itself in the Special Court agreement between the Government and the United Nations that government will not interfere with the workings of the Court. He however expressed government's willingness to give the late Hinga Norman a befitting burial as Chief Norman was not a convicted war criminal but only an indictee.

The Pro Chancellor, Dr. Sandy Bockarie in his address thanked President Kabbah for facilitating the creation a 2nd University in Sierra Leone thereby increasing the opportunity for many more deserving young people to access university education and especially in developing the human resource and manpower base of the country in line with current development aspirations of the country.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Prof. Aliyageen Alghali spoke about the various developmental strides the university has undertaken including the establishment of the Institute of Environmental Management and Quality Control, the School of Forestry and Silviculture and the reclassification of the Department of Geography and Rural Development into the Institute of Geography and Development Studies among others.

Over 400 graduands received degrees, diplomas and certificates with the University prize for the best student of the year going to a female student, Hannah Yankson. Prof. Ernest Humphrey Mofikpara Wright received the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his tremendous contribution to science education in the country.