By Richmond B. Tholley
Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology held its 6th Congregation Ceremony on Saturday, 25th January 2025, at the University’s Secretariat in Magburaka town, Northern Sierra Leone.
The event attracted distinguished personalities and educationists from across the globe to celebrate academic achievements and the university’s strides in higher education.
The ceremony was officially opened by Rev. Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University, who urged students to maintain peace and resilience in their academic pursuits. The vice chancellor further offered words of encouragement that inspired the graduates.
Under this year’s theme, “Repositioning Higher Education: Building Reputational Gaps in Universities,” Prof. Momoh said the university administration has established the following initiatives: Enhancing Academic Quality, Promoting International Collaboration and Alumni Networks, Supporting Student Success, Strengthening Faculty Development , Enhancing Community Engagement, Leveraging Technology, and Investing in Infrastructure.
“As you graduate today and navigate the excitement and anxiety of this moment, I encourage you to work
Hard to create the world you wish to live in,” the Vice Chancellor addresses graduates.
The journey ahead, Prof. Momoh said, will be filled with both challenges and opportunities for the graduating students. But with the knowledge, skills, and relationships graduates have built, he urged them to be prepared to face whatever comes their way.
“Don’t focus solely on becoming famous or making money; the most important goal is to be your best self. Being your best means applying yourself to your potential and striving to
be the best version of yourself. Never let discouragement make you feel that your life is insignificant or that you cannot make a difference,” he said.
He encouraged them not to be afraid or ashamed to make mistakes because, he added, they have the opportunity to correct any errors they might make.
“I want to leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but it rises every time we fall.”
Congratulations, graduates! The world is waiting for you. Go out there and make your mark,” Prof. Momoh ended.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, served as one of the guest speakers. He expressed gratitude to the university for the invitation and highlighted the importance of education in societal growth.
In his address, he shared a motivational story about the value of graduating and urged graduates to contribute positively to their communities. Additionally, he encouraged the university to continue producing quality graduates capable of making a difference globally.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education. She commended the university on its advancements in technology, particularly the introduction of a QR code system for accessing student information.
Dr. Wurie congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to strive for excellence in their careers while upholding the values instilled in them by the university.
Other speakers at the ceremony made valuable contributions, emphasizing the importance of education, innovation, and community service. Their messages collectively reinforced the significance of higher education as a catalyst for national development and inspired students to pursue success while giving back to society.
As part of the celebration, cash prizes were awarded to some of the best-performing students from different departments. One of the recipients was overwhelmed with emotion and shed tears of joy upon receiving the award. The atmosphere was filled with jubilation as students celebrated their achievements with family and friends, dancing and singing to the sounds of traditional instruments.
The ceremony was hailed as one of the best ever, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence, technological advancement, and the promotion of a vibrant academic culture.
