P.C. Koblo Queen II Inspires New Academic Leadership
By: Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah
The Academic Staff Association of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) officially inaugurated its new executive body during a well-attended ceremony held in Port Loko at the university’s New Auditorium on Thursday, 4th June 2026. The event brought together academic professionals, traditional leaders, government representatives, students, and other distinguished guests who gathered to witness the historic occasion. The ceremony was organized under the theme, “Inspiring Knowledge and Community Service,” which highlighted the vital role of higher education in national development and societal transformation.
Delivering the guest address, Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II commended the university administration and the Academic Staff Association for their commitment to advancing quality education and fostering professional excellence among lecturers and researchers. He emphasized that universities serve as centers of innovation, leadership, and social progress, urging academic staff to remain dedicated to nurturing future generations of leaders who will contribute positively to Sierra Leone’s development. He further noted that education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowering communities and addressing societal challenges.
Speaking in line with the event’s theme, Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II encouraged members of the newly inaugurated executive to promote a culture of continuous learning, integrity, and community engagement. He stressed that academic institutions should not only focus on classroom instruction but also extend their impact through research, outreach programs, and community service initiatives that directly improve the lives of citizens. According to him, meaningful knowledge becomes truly valuable when it is applied to solve real-world problems and support sustainable development.
Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II also called on students, lecturers, and stakeholders to work collaboratively in building stronger partnerships between universities and local communities. He highlighted the importance of volunteerism, mentorship, and civic responsibility as essential components of nation-building. He praised EBKUST for its growing contribution to higher education in Sierra Leone and expressed confidence that the newly elected Academic Staff Association executives would champion the welfare of academic staff while promoting excellence in teaching, research, and public service
The inaugural ceremony featured several distinguished personalities from the education sector, traditional authorities, public institutions, and civil society organizations. The occasion was marked by speeches, goodwill messages, and the formal swearing-in of the association’s executive members. Participants described the event as a significant milestone in strengthening academic leadership and promoting the shared vision of knowledge-driven community development. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to support the university’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and service to society.