On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) celebrated the official founding of its Academic Staff Association (ASA), marking a momentous occasion.
The occasion, which took place in the Great Hall on the Goderich campus in Freetown, was historic for the university since it marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation and advancement among its faculty. During the inauguration ceremony, the ASA was praised for its accomplishments since its resuscitation in 2020 by Dr. Williette James of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, among other notable speakers and attendees.
Dr. James called for members to be loyal, responsible, and committed to building on the foundations that had been set before them, stressing the value of unity among them. Dr. James, the keynote speaker, emphasised the importance of having a positive relationship with the administration, being financially independent, and actively participating in meetings and contributions. He also talked about the divisions that currently exist among faculty members at different universities around the nation, stressing the value of cooperation and solidarity.
A new era for the ASA began when the departing executive, led by Mr. Beresford Elliot, Head of the Creative Practical Acts Department at MMTU, gave the incoming executive a handshake. The principal and vice-chancellor of MMTU, Dr Philip John Kanu, reaffirmed the support of the organisation for the ASA and urged employees to use the administration’s grievance redress procedure for any problems.
The recently elected officials, which included Ishmael Kebbeh as President of ASA MMTU, promised to keep the faith that has been placed in them and endeavour to promote the academic staff at MMTU. To further improve the institution’s impact and reputation, they outlined their vision for innovation, high-quality instruction, research, and collaboration with stakeholders.
The Chief Electoral Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Conteh presided over the event, which signalled the start of a new era of accountability and transparency within the ASA. In her capacity as the Universities Academic Staff Association’s (UASA) representative, Dr Brima Ngabeh commended the way the elections were conducted and underlined the value of positive interaction with stakeholders to address relevant issues.
The stage is set for a revolutionary journey towards academic excellence, unity, and advancement at MMTU as the ASA begins this new chapter. As Mrs. Doreen Macfoy offered the vote of thanks, it represented everyone’s gratitude and hope for the association’s future. For the academic staff at MMTU, this momentous inauguration sets the stage for a bright future of cooperation, expansion, and success.
