By Mustapha Sesay
Director of the Institute of Chartered Accountant in Sierra Leone (ICASL) has called on government to hands-off the operations of universities and allow them to run as autonomous institutions and enhance performance.
Dr. William Tucker, the guest speaker at this year’s annual awards banquet at the Bank Complex, Kingtom in Freetown, said more investment was needed towards tertiary institutions and that “the university [of Sierra Leone] should never be for sale, irrespective of the economic scarcity to run it”.
The acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Ekundayo Thompson said “…it is indeed a joy to honour those members of staff and the students who have been outstanding in the pursuit of their responsibilities and have served as a source of inspiration for their colleagues”.
He added that increasing demands were being made of the university as the country underwent profound social, political and economic changes. “Therefore, the president on behalf of the government signed a performance management contract with the university court, which bordered on equalisation of opportunities for all, accountability for result, clear definition of the working relationship between the government and the university among others,” he said.
Pro-chancellor of the university, Rev. Canon Modupe Taylor-Pearce, said everyone had the potential to make a difference for the good of the country, urging the awardees to make a mark as they pressed on to attain their goals.
Chairperson of the organising committee, Bernadette Cole, commended all those who supported the banquet and paid special tribute to ore miner Africa Minerals, Sierra Rutile and Sierra Leone Roads Transport Authority. She said the awards would serve as an impetus for other students and staff to work harder ahead of the next awards.
A total of 26 students were awarded for excellent performance in their different fields of study. The overall best came from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.
(C) Politico 21/01/14
