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In a significant move to address the increasing demand for classroom space, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, Prof. Alieu Mohamed Bah, officially turned the sod for the construction of four new classrooms on Tuesday. This initiative is aimed at accommodating the growing student enrollment, which has become a pressing challenge for the university.
During the ceremony, Prof. Bah emphasized that the construction of these two-story classrooms is not just a building project but a fulfillment of a long-held aspiration of the university administration under Prof. Bashiru Mohamed Koroma. “As student enrollment continues to rise each academic year, the lack of sufficient classroom space has been a significant hurdle for us. This project is a step toward resolving this perennial issue,” he stated.
The new classrooms will have the capacity to host up to 1,000 students at a time, alleviating the current overcrowding, especially during peak class times. Prof. Bah also highlighted the broader impact of the project, noting that it will create job opportunities for youth in the surrounding communities.
Finance Director Mr. Alusine Babatude Newland reiterated the university’s commitment to providing quality education. He stated, “This construction is a testament to our support for the president’s vision of making education accessible to all. We are dedicated to ensuring that the necessary resources are available to meet our targets for this academic year.”
Lead engineer from the Direction of Physical Plant and Services, Mr. Santigi Sesay, outlined the project’s phases. The first phase includes the construction of two classrooms, with a target completion date set for December 2024. He noted that the current infrastructure, particularly the auditorium which seats only 480 students, has been insufficient for the influx of first-year students, especially during critical classes and ceremonies.
“This project will provide multi-purpose facilities and help meet the educational needs of our students,” Mr. Sesay added. He encouraged the community to engage with the project through constructive criticism and suggestions, emphasizing that this is a national development initiative.
As Njala University embarks on this important construction project, the administration remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by increasing enrollment and ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all students. The establishment of these new classrooms marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance its educational infrastructure.
