NJALA UNIVERSITY SECRETARIAT, NJALA CAMPUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

___________

26th October, 2020

INFERNO AT NJALA UNIVERSITY

The Njala University Administration wishes to inform the General Public that a mysterious fire had gutted the Maturi Block G Male Hostel on Njala Campus on Saturday 24th October 2020 at around 2200 hours.

The hostel block had a total of eighty–eight (88) male students at the time of the fire and we want to report that there were no fatalities, notwithstanding; minor injuries were recorded and later referred to the Njala University Hospital for treatment and referral where necessary.

The Administration under the leadership of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Njala Campus, Professor Bashiru Koroma, and the University Registrar, Dr. Muneer Jalloh convened an emergency meeting with the affected students on Sunday 25th October, 2020 at 10 am.

This was to have a first-hand assessment of the situation, de-escalate tensions and also address the post-trauma and stress associated with the loss of educational materials and personal effects by the students.

The Administration on Monday, 26th October, 2020 conveyed another meeting chaired by the Vice Chancellor and Principal and other senior members of the Njala University Administration.

The meeting has almost addressed the issues of accommodation and daily sustenance  for the affected students for the rest of the Second Semester period.

Examinations have also been deferred for three weeks to allow the affected students prepare themselves.

The Administration is highly impressed by the swift response of our supervisory Ministry, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. This was demonstrated on Sunday evening by a visit of the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Turad Senessie to the scene and the affected parties.

“We are also encouraged by the huge responses received from our friends and partners especially the various humanitarian and volunteer groups on Campus for partnering with the Administration to support the affected students,” Professor Sankoh says.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Mallam O. and his Administration are also working assiduously with the National Fire Force to ascertain the cause of the fire and to also put in place sustainable mitigation measures to avoid future occurrences.

For additional information, please contact

Ralph Simeon Sesay

Public Relations Officer, Njala University

E-mail: rssesay@njala.edu.sl

Tel: +232 30317197/ +232-76336213

Web: https://njala.edu.sl