Njala University Sierra Leone

FEATURE

NJALA UNIVERSITY AND THE ACCESS PROGRAMME:
Bridging the gap for Higher Education

October 2006
Mac Jibba

Have you ever wondered how many potential candidates would have been rejects or dropouts in society because they do not meet strictly entry requirements into universities?

Thousands of brilliant and promising students have been turned away or discouraged from accessing Higher Education over the years because they do not have the pre-requisite of five credits at GCE O’ Levels/WASSCE for entry into universities. These people have eventually been referred to as dropouts, and miscreats and many have ended up frustrated and dejected, as they do not seem to have any place in the academic world and society. This scenario could be attributed to the lack of modalities put in place to accommodate these brains.

Lack of opportunities and idleness of youths were attributed to as some of the causes for the recently concluded civil strife in the country. The scenario was characterized by mayhem, carnage and willful destruction as a way of protesting against society for the lack of opportunities.

Thus, the Access Programme offered at Njala University is a bridging course for students who wish to enroll in the university’s courses/Programmes but who do not meet the necessary requirement. The minimum entry requirement into the Access Programme at Njala University is three (3) credits at the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), one of which must be in the area of proposed studies. Students enrolled for this programme are taught for a year at a level similar to WASSCE, during which time they are assessed by continuous assessment and two written examinations. Upon fulfilling the University’s conditions, i.e. an average of 50% for the seven subjects taken plus at least 50% in the proposed subject of study, they are admitted into the first year of study at the University. By this time, they must have become au fait with work at the university and acquired the necessary competence for undertaking undergraduate studies.

The Access programme, designed six years ago, was meant to address the following:

During the first year at Njala University, all candidates irrespective of programme are required to do courses in the basic sciences, which is fundamental to courses on offer at Njala University. This course is designed to expose the students to subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and English Language, which are compulsory among others to make them better cope with the university work in the first year – thus reducing the hitherto high rate of attrition at this level of their studies.

The WASSCE results over the last couple of years have been very poor and students have not been meeting the entry requirements into universities. For example, three years ago, only 47 candidates, nation-wide, passed with credits in English Language, which is a pre-requisite for entry into the university. The Access course thus provides a platform to bridge this gap where, with effective training for a year, students are grounded in English Language to the requisite level and together with a number of six other subjects, qualify them to enter into the degree programme.

Since its inception, Njala University had been regarded as mainly science-based in courses and programmes on offer and over the years, students applying for courses at this University have encountered lots of problems in the sciences. As a result, the Access course was introduced to help strengthen the students’ capacity in the sciences so that they could be comfortable with courses in the degree programme.

Some people, not au fait with educational practices outside of Sierra Leone, are going with the opinion that the access course is not good for a university programme as it could water down the standard of education at the University. These people are so wrong when the analysis of the performance of students entering the university through the access programme is taken into cognizance. Besides, access programmes are worldwide and can be found in the UK, USA, Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania to name a few countries where it is on-going.

Last year, out of a total of 24 students who graduated with First Class at Njala University, 10 of them came through the Access window. This year, with results still coming out, a significant number of the top best results are from students who made their ways through the Access programme.

The University, as an equal opportunity provider, is also keen to maintain the standard of education, especially for its programmes on offer. The facts are that even students admitted with very good results can attest that most of the students coming through access are not mere pushovers. Their performances in their courses of study are at times exemplary indications that some of these candidates who do not meet straight requirements for admission could be class leaders when provided with the opportunity.


TITBITS

LAUNCHING OF THE NJALA UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT FUND (NUDF) The Hon. Vic-President, Solomon E. Berewa, on the 15th June 2007, formally launched the Njala University Development Fund (NUDF) at the Bintumani Hotel Complex, at Aberdeen, in Freetown. Njala University, one of the two Public Universities in Sierra Leone, is currently operated on two campuses viz; Njala and Bo. The campus at Njala is however still displaced as a result of the recently concluded rebel war and is thus temporarily operated in Freetown at the SLBS Compound, New England. As a matter of priority, the relocation of this campus back to Njala has been considered an issue of prime importance and one project which the NUDF Committee has decided to embark upon is the rehabilitation of the hospital on the campus. This project has been estimated to cost the sum of $100,000 (Le 300,000,000). The membership of the Fund Committee comprises of eminent, industrious and well meaning citizens with like minds under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Dr. Abdulai Kakay. The objectives of the Fund are: 1. To source funding for the relocation of Njala Campus to its original site. 2. To organize fundraising activities and create an endowment fund for the overall development of the University and her programmes. The Committee is however grateful to several sponsors of the launching ceremony amongst which is CELTEL, one of the leading GSM companies in Sierra Leone, for being the major sponsor and for making a handsome donation. The occasion was celebrated in grand style with guests from all walks of life, some coming in as patrons. During the ceremony, voluntary pledges were made by cutting a slice of roasted goat (Barbeque). The fundraising drive is an ongoing activity and the NUDF Committee would be looking forward to any form of aid/support to set the fund on a firm and sustained footing. It is our pleasure to invite you to view some of the snap shots taken at the launching ceremony in the folder marked, NUDF Pix. You are always welcome to visit our website for updates with many thanks.

Pictures of the Launching NUDF


THE SECOND CONGREGATION HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY'S CORONATION GROUNDS, BO Saturday 24th February 2007 Njala University held its second annual congregation for the conferment of degrees, diplomas and certificates to students who have successfully completed various courses at the University. The occasion was held at the Bo Coronation grounds. Speech by the Chancellor his Excellency the President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Speech by the Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof. Dr. A.M. Alghali

Some pictures from the Convocation Ceremony




FEATURE NJALA UNIVERSITY AND THE ACCESS PROGRAMME: Bridging the gap for Higher Education October 2006 Mac Jibba Have you ever wondered how many potential candidates would have been rejects or dropouts in society because they do not meet strictly entry requirements into universities? Thousands of brilliant and promising students have been turned away or discouraged from accessing Higher Education over the years because they do not have the pre-requisite of five credits at GCE O’ Levels/WASSCE for entry into universities. These people have eventually been referred to as dropouts, and miscreats and many have ended up frustrated and dejected, as they do not seem to have any place in the academic world and society. This scenario could be attributed to the lack of modalities put in place to accommodate these brains. Lack of opportunities and idleness of youths were attributed to as some of the causes for the recently concluded civil strife in the country. The scenario was characterized by mayhem, carnage and willful destruction as a way of protesting against society for the lack of opportunities. Thus, the Access Programme offered at Njala University is a bridging course for students who wish to enroll in the university’s courses/Programmes but who do not meet the necessary requirement. The minimum entry requirement into the Access Programme at Njala University is three (3) credits at the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), one of which must be in the area of proposed studies. Students enrolled for this programme are taught for a year at a level similar to WASSCE, during which time they are assessed by continuous assessment and two written examinations. Upon fulfilling the University’s conditions, i.e. an average of 50% for the seven subjects taken plus at least 50% in the proposed subject of study, they are admitted into the first year of study at the University. By this time, they must have become au fait with work at the university and acquired the necessary competence for undertaking undergraduate studies. The Access programme, designed six years ago, was meant to address the following: During the first year at Njala University, all candidates irrespective of programme are required to do courses in the basic sciences, which is fundamental to courses on offer at Njala University. This course is designed to expose the students to subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and English Language, which are compulsory among others to make them better cope with the university work in the first year – thus reducing the hitherto high rate of attrition at this level of their studies. The WASSCE results over the last couple of years have been very poor and students have not been meeting the entry requirements into universities. For example, three years ago, only 47 candidates, nation-wide, passed with credits in English Language, which is a pre-requisite for entry into the university. The Access course thus provides a platform to bridge this gap where, with effective training for a year, students are grounded in English Language to the requisite level and together with a number of six other subjects, qualify them to enter into the degree programme. Since its inception, Njala University had been regarded as mainly science-based in courses and programmes on offer and over the years, students applying for courses at this University have encountered lots of problems in the sciences. As a result, the Access course was introduced to help strengthen the students’ capacity in the sciences so that they could be comfortable with courses in the degree programme. Some people, not au fait with educational practices outside of Sierra Leone, are going with the opinion that the access course is not good for a university programme as it could water down the standard of education at the University. These people are so wrong when the analysis of the performance of students entering the university through the access programme is taken into cognizance. Besides, access programmes are worldwide and can be found in the UK, USA, Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania to name a few countries where it is on-going. Last year, out of a total of 24 students who graduated with First Class at Njala University, 10 of them came through the Access window. This year, with results still coming out, a significant number of the top best results are from students who made their ways through the Access programme. The University, as an equal opportunity provider, is also keen to maintain the standard of education, especially for its programmes on offer. The facts are that even students admitted with very good results can attest that most of the students coming through access are not mere pushovers. Their performances in their courses of study are at times exemplary indications that some of these candidates who do not meet straight requirements for admission could be class leaders when provided with the opportunity.


THE FIRST CONGREGATION HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY'S CORONATION GROUNDS, BO Saturday 25th February 2006 Speech by the Chancellor his Excellency the President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Speech by the Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof. Dr. A.M. Alghali


THE FORMAL INAUGURATION OF THE UNIVERSITY COURT AT THE NJALA UNIVERSITY Friday 24th February 2006 Speech by the Chancellor his Excellency the President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Speech by the Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof. Dr. A.M. Alghali




WHAT THE PAPERS SAY.....

Concord Times (Freetown) June 13, 2006 Mariama Kandeh Njala University awards Le 500,000 to Best Student Mohamed Salieu Jalloh was Monday given a Le 500,000 cheque plus a certificate by the administration of Njala University for excellence in the comprehensive exam having a cumulative grade point of 4.70. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Vice Chancellor of the University Prof A.M Alghali said that the day marks a milestone in the history of the University in that for the first time it has been able to award a prize for excellence. Prof Alghali maintained that the selection was done in an open, fair and transparent fashion. "We intend to do it annually if we happen to get a student that wins the prize," he stated adding that the award seeks to compensate students for hard work and diligence.
Rev. Henry M Gorvie, while giving a background of the award stated that the idea was raised by the Vice Chancellor some time last year but was not instituted until the college attains the university status, adding that it is aimed at bringing incentive and challenge to other students. "It signals to students that if one works hard one will be compensated," he noted. Deputy Vice Chancelor Dr. A K Lakkoh in his remarks said that good performance needs to be rewarded and that it is important for staffs and students since in just a year of the University's existence they have been able to award a student for his excellent performance. Dr. EJD Thompson of the Faculty of Education in his statement said that as the winner is from the faculty their aim has always been to teach students for excellence, which he has shown. He reiterated that Jalloh's performance would stand as a motivation to students that are lagging behind. Dr. Thompson expressed hope that the university will be classed among the best in the world, as it is only through excellence that their good work will be admired.

Standard Times (Freetown) May 10, 2006 Santigie Kamara Njala University to Commence Masters Degree In a bid to consolidate the peace process in this country, the University of Bradford, Department of Peace Studies, Africa Center for Peace and Conflict Studies with support from the Africa Center-Allen and Nesta Ferguson Project of Bradford University commenced a three-day workshop at the Njala University Library, SLBS campus to develop a curriculum and staff through capacity building and strategy of implementation to win and consolidate the peace in the country. In his welcome statement, the chairman of the occasion, vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Aliyageen Mohamed Alghali gave a brief background of the progamme noting that it started eighteen months ago, and also pointed out that Njala University has contributed immensely to the country's development especially with the introduction of the various masters programmes over the past year. He also added that the introduction of a masters degree in Peace and Development Studies at Njala University means a lot, and thanked members of Bradford University for their support while assuring them that the programme would be a success story. The Dean of Social Sciences, Njala University, Dr. Bob Conteh spoke about the significant of the programme and assured members of Bradford University that they would do their best to ensure the success of the program. Dr. David J. Francis, director, Africa Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Bradford made the keynote address in which he spoke on education for peace in war torn Africa, challenges and opportunities.