Matriculation Ceremony 2021–2022 Academic Year

The Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone matriculated 2,538 new students on Saturday, 26 February 2022, in a ceremony at the Dr. Julius Maada Bio Amphitheatre. The event marked the first matriculation for university-level students following the institution’s transition from Eastern Polytechnic under the Universities Act, 2021.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Ing Mohamed Konneh commended the government and stakeholders for ensuring the upgrade from polytechnic to university. He described the ceremony as historic, noting that in previous years many students had chosen to travel far from home rather than enrol at the polytechnic. He reminded students of the institutional policies and statutes, and highlighted the university’s library, which he described as one of the best-equipped in the country with high-speed internet and current learning materials.

Keynote speaker Professor Joe A.D. Alie, the historian, told the matriculants that the process of matriculation confirms acceptance of university membership and commitment to its regulations. He emphasised that their primary aim should be to work hard and acquire sound degrees. He encouraged students to take advantage of the university’s learning resources and, while acknowledging that social clubs are part of university life, urged them to prioritise their academics.

Registrar Mr. John Juana reported that the 2,538 admitted students represented a significant increase over previous intakes, particularly in the Faculty of Engineering and Innovation, where historically fewer students had enrolled. “This year’s admission has changed that narrative,” he affirmed.

The Registrar presented the students to the various Faculty Deans for the recitation of oath and declaration to become bona fide members of the university. Matriculating student Esther Yamba closed the ceremony with a vote of thanks.