By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh - Makeni, Sierra Leone – April 28, 2025
The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) on Saturday, 26th April, 2025, hosted its 13th Congregation Ceremony for the conferment of degrees, diplomas, and certificates, a landmark academic occasion witnessed by dignitaries, families, friends, and members of the academic community. A total of 756 students graduated, comprising 401 females and 355 males, showcasing the university’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and academic excellence in Sierra Leone.
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| Chancellor of UniMak and Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education |
Students from seven faculties — Agriculture, Business Administration and Management, Education, Law and Humanities, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Mass Communication and Computer Science, and Social Sciences — were awarded their qualifications during a festive and celebratory event. In his welcome address, the vice-chancellor and principal, Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Turay, commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication. "Today, we celebrate not just academic achievement, but a commitment to national development. Our graduates are equipped with knowledge and values to lead, serve, and transform their communities," he emphasized.
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| Newly awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree candidates Umu Hawa Tejan Jalloh and Hon. Franklyn Bai Kargbo |
A central highlight of the event was the conferment of the university’s highest academic honor, the Honorary Doctorate Degree, on two eminent legal figures—Honorable Umu Hawa Tejan-Jalloh and Hon. Franklyn Bai Kargbo — for their distinguished service to the legal profession, governance, and national development.
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| Hon. Franklyn Bai Kargbo and Hon. Umu Hawa Tejan Jalloh |
In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the service of justice, integrity, and national development, the University of Makeni proudly conferred the honorary doctorate degree upon the Honorable Umu Hawa Tejan-Jalloh. As Sierra Leone’s first female Chief Justice, Honorable Tejan-Jalloh broke barriers and championed judicial reforms that strengthened the independence and efficiency of the judiciary. Her unwavering commitment to human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law has left an indelible mark on the legal profession and society at large. Through her leadership, she inspired generations of women and men alike to pursue excellence in public service. The university salutes her enduring contributions to justice and national progress.
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| Honorable Franklyn Bai Kargbo |
Similarly, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to legal excellence, constitutional development, and public service, the university conferred the honorary doctorate degree upon Honorable Franklyn Bai Kargbo. As a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Kargbo led landmark reforms that strengthened Sierra Leone’s legal and human rights frameworks. His distinguished career as a lawyer, policy advisor, and mentor has exemplified integrity, dedication, and commitment to the principles of democracy and justice. Through his tireless efforts, he has advanced the cause of good governance and inspired a generation of legal practitioners. The university honors him for his invaluable service to the nation and the legal community.
Another remarkable highlight during the ceremony was the graduation of 53 inmates and officers from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. This cohort represents the third batch under the university's Correctional Education Initiative, launched in 2021 by the Development Studies Department under the leadership of Dean Unisa Patrick Kamara. In its first year, the program graduated 17 inmates; in the second year, 25; and now, 53 in 2025, including officers, marking steady growth and success. The initiative, aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals through education, was warmly celebrated by attendees.
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| Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education |
The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, praised UNIMAK for advancing inclusive and transformative education. "Education must not be limited to the free and privileged. Through programs like these, we are affirming that every Sierra Leonean — regardless of circumstances — has the right to education, hope, and a second chance," he stated in his keynote address.
One inmate graduate, speaking anonymously, shared heartfelt reflections.
This education has given me a new vision for my life. I am no longer defined by my past mistakes but by the future I am building.
The university also recognized the outstanding academic excellence of its two overall best graduating students. Benson A.S. Jimmy, from the Faculty of Commerce and Management, Department of Business Administration and Management, emerged as the best overall student with an impressive Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.88, graduating with First Class Honors. And Angela Ada Sesay, from the Faculty of Education, closely followed with a GPA of 4.85, also graduating with First Class Honors. Delivering his valedictory during an interview with this medium, he urged his colleagues to see education as a tool for community transformation.
Go beyond the paper qualification; let us be known for integrity, hard work, and service to humanity, he said.
Sesay, on the other hand, echoing the university’s values, added,
As we step into the world, let us carry forward the torch of Unimak’s values—faith, leadership, and service.
As traditional drumming, songs, and vibrant cultural displays filled the grounds of the University of Makeni, it was evident that the 13th Congregation was not just a celebration of academic success but also a reaffirmation of the institution’s role in producing leaders, change-makers, and defenders of justice for Sierra Leone.
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