The Milton Margai Technical University, on Thursday, 7th December 2023, launched its Endowment Trust Fund in continuation of its Diamond Jubilee celebration. The colourful ceremony took place at the Great Hall, Goderich Campus.
In his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor and principal of the university, Prof Philip John Kanu, spoke on the essence of unity for great achievements to be realized. He craved the indulgences of all Miltonians to join forces together with the singular vision of making the university great and more enviable
The VC&P expressed his gratitude to all present and stakeholders for their support and underscored the importance of the Endowment Fund in enhancing the university’s vision of becoming a world-class technical university. Prof Philip John Kanu stated that the launch of the trust fund would be a significant milestone for the university and that it would enable the institution to enhance its academic programs, research capabilities, and infrastructure, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.
Declaring the purpose of the occasion, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Alhaji Dr Mohamed Alie Jalloh outlined the purpose and objectives of the Endowment Fund. He highlighted its role in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the university, enabling it to invest in cutting-edge research, modern facilities, and scholarships for deserving students.
The Endowment Fund, he stated, would create a lasting impact on the future of the university and contribute to the nation’s human resource development.
The Chancellor of the University, Dr. Victor E. A Kabia in formally pronouncing the Endowment Fund, assured all of his commitment to ensuring that the fund would be transparently managed and prudently utilized for its intended purpose, emphasizing its potential to transform the university’s future. He called on the entire university community, including students, staff, and alumni, to rally behind this noble cause and contribute generously. “Together, we can create a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” Dr. Kabia stated.
Delivering her Keynote address, the Minister of Technical & Higher Education, Dr Ramatulai Wurie, sailed through the history and background of the university, noting its impacts on Sierra Leone’s education. The Minister emphasized the significance of the Endowment Fund in advancing the university’s mission of providing quality technical and higher education. She commended MMTU for its commitment to producing skilled graduates who contributed to the nation’s development. She stated that the launch of the Endowment Fund was a testament to the university’s dedication to academic excellence and sustainable development adding that it would provide a vital financial resource to support research, infrastructure development, and scholarships.
The Minister, at the end of her address, did a symbolic commissioning of various projects undertaken by the university.
Prominent individuals made statements of support for the Endowment Fund. Sheka Kamara, President of the USA and Canada Alumni Branch expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the importance of alumni involvement in supporting their alma mater.
B.W. Bockarie, President of the Sierra Leone chapter of the Alumni Association, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for alumni to come on board and give back to the university that shaped their future.
Mariama Francess Jajua, Head of Marketing at Rokel Commercial Bank, pledged the bank’s support for the Endowment Fund. She emphasized the transformative power of education and encouraged all stakeholders to contribute to the fund. “Rokel Commercial Bank is proud to partner with Milton Margai Technical University in this endeavour. We believe that investing in education is investing in the future of our nation,” Jajua stated.
The launch of the Endowment Fund was climaxed by pledges and a cultural dance performance by Ami Kallon.
