By SKS
Professor Joe A. D. Alie, a distinguished historian and educationist, is inaugurated as the new Chancellor of Eastern Technical University (ETU), as the Government reaffirms its dedication to advancing technical and higher education as vital pillars of Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development Agenda.
Representing the Minister of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) , Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara emphasizes that this installation marks a pivotal moment for ETU. He highlights that strong leadership is crucial for building institutions that foster research, innovation, and national progress.
The Deputy Minister praises ETU’s achievements since its university status was granted in 2021. He urges the institution to stay focused on producing skilled professionals essential for Sierra Leone’s industrialization, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure growth. He notes that the Ministry is actively implementing reforms to enhance quality assurance, governance, research, innovation, and technical and vocational education to equip graduates with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Congratulating Professor Alie, the Deputy Minister expresses confidence in his capacity to propel the university’s growth and reputation forward. In his acceptance speech, Professor Joe A. D. Alie thanks President Julius Maada Bio and the Government for their trust, describing his appointment as both an honor and a significant responsibility. He pays tribute to his predecessors and Deputy Chancellor Brima Munda Koroma for maintaining strong leadership at ETU.
Professor Alie commits to providing effective leadership and collaborating closely with the University Court, management, government, and development partners to fulfill ETU’s mission. He emphasizes that the university’s future should prioritize quality, relevance, and sound governance over mere expansion. He envisions transforming ETU into a center of excellence that emphasizes practical skills, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation aligned with national development goals. Calling for increased partnerships among the university, government, industry, and development stakeholders, Professor Alie states that sustainable growth hinges on collaboration and accountability. He urges students to maintain discipline, avoid illicit drugs, use social media responsibly, and embrace hard work, reminding them that true knowledge is gained through continuous learning and critical thinking. Professor Alie concludes by portraying Eastern Technical University as a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone and urges all stakeholders to unite in building an institution defined by excellence, innovation, and service.
