The Mass Communications department at the University of Makeni on Monday, June 24, 2024, launched the UniMak Center for Research and Investigative Journalism.

The center, which was officially launched by Leonard Mahmoud Kamara, the Dean of Faculty of Mass Communications and Computer Science, aims to foster excellence in research and Investigative journalism, providing a platform for in-depth inquiry about and insightful reporting on issues of local, national and global significance.

In an interview with Sierraloaded, the Head of Mass Communications department and initiator of the UniMak Center for Research and Investigative Journalism, Mathew Kanu, said the center seeks to empower journalists to unearth and report issues of public interest and to hold corrupt individuals accountable

Mathew Kanu added that the center will create a cross-border collaboration with journalists in other Mano River countries to investigate stories together, highlighting the significance of such collaboration.

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Speaking about the sustainability of the UniMak Center for Research and Investigative Journalism, he told this medium that the university will write projects, establish partnerships with both national and international organizations, and embrace collaborations and networking.

“To keep this center alive, the university is going to establish partnerships, write projects, and do several collaborations and networking,” he maintained.

“Nobody in this country is an island. Hence, we also depend on partnership to overcome challenges, ” he added.

The UniMak Center for Research and Investigative Journalism has been regarded as a milestone in investigate journalism in the country. As the first center for research and investigative journalism in Sierra Leone, it will primarily focus on teaching, training, research and community engagements.