By Joshua Sahr Pettiquoi-Kono District.
Margaret June James has been formally installed as the new Chancellor of the Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST), at a ceremony that brought together government officials, university administrators, academics, traditional authorities, stakeholders from Kono District and representatives of the media.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Ramatulai Wurie; chancellors and vice chancellors from universities across Sierra Leone; academic and administrative staff of KUST; and other distinguished personalities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Ramatulai Wurie, paid special tribute to the late Justice Nyawo Maturie Jones, the university’s inaugural Chancellor, acknowledging her formative contributions and sacrifices towards laying the foundation for the institution, alongside the traditional authorities and people of Kono.
Dr Wurie welcomed Margaret June James to her new role, expressing confidence in her leadership and assuring that the university would continue to recognise and promote women’s leadership.
She emphasised the importance of the Chancellor’s direct involvement in university governance, noting that the position requires thoughtful guidance, commitment and a clear vision for institutional development.
Explaining the significance of KUST, the Minister highlighted the need to expand access to higher education and develop scientific and technological expertise, particularly among young people from Kono District.
She reiterated that human capital development remains central to the government’s development priorities and assured that the government would do its utmost to ensure the effective utilisation of the 417 acres of land provided by the Gbense Chiefdom for the university’s development.
In the official citation, the Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, E. J. Momoh Esq., referenced Section 7, Subsection 6 of the Universities Act of 2021, which provides the legal basis for the installation of a university Chancellor.
Chairing the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Mohamed Sheik Kargbo, described the installation of Margaret June James as a significant milestone for women’s leadership in higher education.
He said her installation as the university’s second Chancellor represents a breakthrough against cultural stereotypes that have historically limited women’s participation in leadership positions.
Mr Kargbo called for greater recognition and appreciation of women’s contributions, emphasising that women must be given equal opportunities to occupy leadership positions and demonstrate their capabilities.
In his institutional statement, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of KUST, Professor Tamba Jamiru, recalled the establishment of the university under the Universities Act of 2021 and its journey towards becoming an autonomous institution.
He also paid tribute to the late inaugural Chancellor, Justice Nyawo Maturie Jones, for her selfless sacrifices and commitment to the development of the university.
Professor Jamiru identified teaching and learning, alongside innovation, as key pillars of the institution, noting that its mandate centres on teaching and research.
He highlighted some of the university’s achievements and ongoing developments, including nursing programmes approved by the relevant professional regulatory body, the establishment of the KUST Knowledge Hub at the former District Council premises along Council Road in Koidu City and plans for further expansion on land in Nimikoro Chiefdom.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional authorities, the Vice Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono, Paramount Chief Bockarie Duramani Soloko, called on the government to give greater attention to agriculture, which he described as an important sector for national development.
The Paramount Chief of Gbense Chiefdom, PC Komba Sangor Korgbende Kaimachiandeh IV, appealed to the government to expedite the completion of the university’s main campus at Faandu in Gbense Chiefdom.
He reaffirmed the chiefdom’s readiness to support the institution and wished the newly installed Chancellor a successful and fruitful tenure.
Also speaking, Professor Joe A. D. Alie, Chancellor of the Eastern Technical University, described the installation as a reflection of the importance of leadership in higher education.
He said a university Chancellor serves as a guardian of the institution’s values, adding that universities play a vital role in creating knowledge, challenging young minds and preparing future generations.
Professor Alie welcomed the expansion of university education beyond traditional urban centres, noting that while diamonds may bring wealth, education provides long-term benefits, opportunities and responsibilities.
In her maiden address, the newly installed Chancellor, Margaret June James, recalled her longstanding connection with Kono dating back to the 1970s, describing her installation as an opportunity to reconnect with the people and renew collective responsibility towards the growth and development of the university.
She expressed appreciation to the people and traditional authorities of Kono for their support, while paying special tribute to the late Paramount Chief of Gbense Chiefdom PC Fengao Korgbende Kaimachiandeh III for facilitating the provision of 417 acres of land for the university.
The Chancellor identified the advancement of the proposed 32-million-dollar university construction project as one of her major priorities, stressing the need for collective commitment to transform KUST into a leading centre for science, technology, research and innovation.
She emphasised that the development of the university cannot be achieved without the active support, welfare and professional advancement of its academic and administrative staff.
According to her, staff development and welfare are essential to institutional growth, while students must demonstrate academic discipline, ethical conduct and a strong commitment to learning.
Mrs James further pledged to promote prudent management of university resources, accountability, transparency, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities.
She also promised to remain open to constructive engagement with stakeholders, noting that the ultimate purpose of the university is to advance knowledge, prepare skilled professionals and stimulate innovation for the benefit of society.
The newly installed Chancellor expressed optimism that, through collective efforts and sustained support from the government, traditional authorities, university management, staff, students and the people of Kono, KUST would continue to grow and fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people.
