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The Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone has commenced construction of a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, in a move officials say will expand the institution’s academic and research capacity in the Eastern Region.
The university marked the start of construction on Thursday with a sod-turning ceremony attended by government representatives, diplomats, traditional leaders, students and community members from across the Eastern Province.
The planned facility will house the School of Postgraduate Studies, bringing lecture spaces and administrative offices under one roof to support postgraduate teaching and research, according to university representatives.
University Registrar John Juana said initial funding for the project was secured through the Chinese Embassy in Freetown following diplomatic engagement facilitated by Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, a former foreign affairs minister.
University authorities described the project as part of a broader infrastructure expansion programme across its campuses. Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Principal, Dr Lawrence Sao Babawo, said the facility is expected to strengthen postgraduate education and increase research output upon completion.
The university also announced plans for a separate ICT Training Facility and Innovation Hub, which officials said would be financed by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The proposed centre is expected to enhance digital skills training and promote innovation.
Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Mohamed T. Lahai, said the ICT initiative would position the institution as a national centre for technology-driven learning and innovation, according to remarks attributed to him.
The university also highlighted ongoing construction works at its Bunumbu Campus, which officials said are nearing completion.
The projects form part of the university’s broader efforts to expand higher education infrastructure, strengthen research capacity and promote digital transformation in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Region.
