Ahead of the new Technical University status, the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) on Monday 13th September 2021 commenced the training of staff members in Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the Blue Crest College at Wilkinson Road in Freetown at which event Dr. Josephus Brima, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer in the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) admonished participants to take the training seriously so as to transform their lives as well as improve their professional advancement asserting that knowledge is power.
He underscored that with determination they would excel and on behalf of the Ministry officially declared the training open.
The Principal of MMTU, Dr. Philip John Kanu said he is excited that the training has commenced and that the day is a fulfilment of Government‘s strategic policy, the Ministry of Technical and High Education and MMTU’s strategic plans respectively.
Dr Kanu stated that discussions with BlueCrest College to conduct the training started long ago, that he wants MMTU to grow and is moving in the right direction to the point that staff have to be capacitated in ICT to meet the challenges of the new Technical University status.
Dr. Philip John Kanu disclosed that MMTU has created outlooks for all lecturers and that it is partnering with the BlueCrest College to provide laptop computers for all students for a minimal amount to access their notes affirming that in case of future lockdowns, lectures would be administered online and revealed that the college’s Technical University would commence this October for which the lecturers are preparing themselves underscoring that the staff are determined to change the status quo of the country as Sierra Leone’s middle-level manpower had been neglected over the years.
Dr. Philip John Kanu continued that ICT would help lecturers to conduct research and design as well as make the college great again and assured them that they would soon see the difference as he wants them to get first class training that is part of their promotional development.
He also acclaimed BlueCrest College for the opportunity, guaranteed that the knowledge acquired would be effectively utilized as part of their professional development to advance the Free Quality Education as well as the development of the country.
The Rector and Country Head of BlueCrest College, Dr. Shailesh Kumur congratulated the college for its new Technical University status, assured participants that at the end of the 80 hours training that would be dissected, participants would see a big difference, that they would excel in ICT ahead of the new status and assured that the relationship with the college would continue and commended government for being supportive.
The Coordinator of Short Courses at MMTU, Mr. Papa Njai reiterated the importance of the training to MMTU, commended the principal for the initiative, that ICT is the way forward for all institutions and that no one should be left behind citing the case of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country when most institutions closed down asserting that in such cases online learning has become the order of the day.
Other dignitaries who made statements at the ceremony included Dr. Victor Massaquoi Director of TVET at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education while the vote of thanks was delivered by the Dean of the Brookfields Campus, Mrs. Halima Jumu.
