By: Usman Fambuleh
The Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter (ISOC-SL) and Njala University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening internet development, digital innovation, and technological advancement within higher education in Sierra Leone.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Secretariat Building in Mokondeh, Njala University, bringing together senior university administrators, officials of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, students, and other stakeholders.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Basiru Mohamed Koroma, expressed profound appreciation to the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter for selecting the institution as a strategic partner in its efforts to promote internet accessibility and digital transformation across the country.
Professor Koroma described the partnership as a timely intervention that aligns with the university’s vision of embracing technological innovation to improve teaching, learning, research, and community engagement.
He emphasized that Njala University remains eager to expand its technological capacity and strengthen digital literacy among students and staff.
“We are technologically hungry, and therefore the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding comes at the right time. We deeply appreciate the confidence that the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter has reposed in this institution. This partnership will undoubtedly open new opportunities for our students, lecturers, and the wider university community. We assure our partners that we will make the best use of every opportunity that will emerge from this collaboration,” Professor Koroma asserted.
The Vice Chancellor further maintained that internet connectivity has become a critical component of modern education and development, stressing that institutions of higher learning must position themselves to benefit from global technological advancements.
Making her statement, the President of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, Ajara Marie Bomah, traced the history of the organization and highlighted its global mission of ensuring that the internet remains open, accessible, secure, and beneficial to everyone.
She explained that the Internet Society was established in 1992 in the United States of America and has since evolved into a globally recognized organization dedicated to promoting internet development, digital inclusion, and technological innovation.
Madam Bomah noted that over the years, the organization has implemented numerous initiatives across Sierra Leone and other parts of the world to improve internet access, build digital skills, and empower communities through technology.
She underscored that the newly signed MOU would create significant opportunities for Njala University, particularly within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, while also benefiting students and faculty members through capacity-building programmes, technical support, digital literacy initiatives, and access to global networks of innovation.
“The Internet belongs to everyone, and our mission is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from it. Through our various programmes, we are committed to making the internet more accessible, more inclusive, and more meaningful for communities. This partnership with Njala University reflects our commitment to supporting academic institutions and empowering the next generation of innovators and digital leaders,” madam Bomah stated.
She further disclosed that the Internet Society would continue to collaborate with educational institutions across Sierra Leone to bridge the digital divide and foster a culture of innovation and technological excellence.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of ICT at Njala University, Dr Thomas Philip Songu, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter for what he described as a transformative partnership.
Dr. Songu highlighted the crucial role internet connectivity plays in enhancing academic research, facilitating communication, promoting innovation, and connecting students to global knowledge resources.
He recounted the efforts his department has undertaken over the years to improve internet infrastructure within the university and extend digital opportunities to students and staff.
According to him, sustainable internet access remains one of the most important drivers of educational excellence in the modern era.
“For several years, we have been working tirelessly to strengthen internet facilities within Njala University and to support similar efforts across sister universities and colleges.Reliable internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for quality education, research, innovation, and national development. This partnership therefore represents a major step forward in our collective efforts to build a digitally empowered academic community,” Dr. Songu remarked.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would significantly improve access to technological resources and create opportunities for students to develop skills relevant to the digital economy.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Acting Registrar, President and Vice President of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, members of the University and College Chapter, faculty representatives, students, and other key stakeholders.
The Internet Society is a global organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the development of the internet as a technical infrastructure, a resource that enriches people’s lives, and a force for positive social change. Its work focuses on building and supporting internet communities, advancing internet technologies and standards, promoting policies that encourage an open and secure internet, and providing reliable information and platforms for dialogue on internet-related issues.
