By: Paul Kamara
Every Nation Polytechnic in Bo, over the weekend officially welcomed 703 new students during its matriculation ceremony held at the New Harvest Ministries Central Church House of Gathering, Old Railway Quarters off Prince Williams Street in Bo city, Southern province of Sierra Leone
The mammoth gathering attracted Deans of Faculties and Heads of Departments, Administrative and Academic Staff, the newly admitted students, Families, Friends and other Well-wishers, the press among others.
Welcoming all present, Madam Cynthia Esther Kpakra (Lecturer) warmly welcomed everyone for gracing the ceremony. She wasted no time in welcoming all freshmen and women into the college family. She congratulated all the newly admitted students, describing them as the chosen ones among thousands of applicants. She called on them to consider them as very lucky noting that many are called but few are chosen hence must consider themselves as the chosen few.
"Today is a new dawn for you all. And by the special grace of God a few years from now we will also gather to witness and celebrate your convocation.
"Parents, I welcome you for being here with us for the confidence you have in this great institution by choosing here for your children as their first choice, and I want to assure you that their security and protection are highly upheld", she assured.
Madam Kpakra therefore encouraged all new students to make the most out of the opportunity given to them by their parents and the Every Nation institution by making themselves worthy of the opportunities, obey rules and regulations binding the college, pay their fees and other charges, deviate from all forms of indiscipline and other vices, participate in all legal activities required of them by the college, show respect to their colleagues and the administration. She concluded by calling on all new students to make their stay a fruitful and productive one.
In his address, principal of the Every Nation Polytechnic Mr Christian Johnson, on behalf of the University Council, Senate, management and staff of Every Nation College graciously welcomed all present, said: "Today marks the second matriculation ceremony since I assumed office as principal of this noble institution. I extend my sincere welcome to the freshmen and women for taking the bold step, and decisive step to enrol in the various programs at Every Nation College.
"Today's ceremony is to formally admit all of you freshmen and women into the university system that would make you bonafide members of this university. The main objective of this matriculation ceremony is to acquaint you with the fundamental principles, norms and culture of our institution. These core values have projected the image of this institution as the center of learning and moulding the character of our students. The core values also depict the vision of the university which is to nurture a university of high international standard so that the quality of the institution is rated the best in Sierra Leone, and among the very best in West Africa", he stated.
Mr Johnson informed that 2023/2024 academic have so far recorded the highest number of admitted students at the institution, saying this academic year (2023/2024), Every Nation College admitted 703 students in various programs in this college. Out of this figure 259 are male representing about 37%, and 444 are female representing about 63 per cent.
"I am extremely pleased to state that since the inception of this college, the 2023/2024 academic year has attracted the highest number of admissions ever in the history of this institution. I am even further elated to report that our health related programs, i.e Public Health & the State Registered Nurse programs took the lead in that admission process', he confirmed.
The principal pointed out that the increase in admission has not in any way compromised the high educational standard of the institution.
"Let me hasten to say that the increase in admission numbers has not in no way compromised the quality and the high standards of the Every Nation College admission criteria. As a matter of fact as we take the required steps into becoming a university we will endeavour to introduce more health related programs that are of high demand such as; Community Health Officer (CHO), Bsc. in Nursing, and Midwifery," he disclosed.
Mr Christian Johnson also took his time to congratulate the freshmen and women for choosing the Every Nation College ahead of other Tertiary institutions across the country, said: “I want to take this opportunity to commend all the freshmen and women here today for making that excellent choice of Every Nation College. I am confident that this is a decision you will never regret because you have an exciting and valuable learning experience ahead of you."
The Principal disclosed that for the 2023/2024 academic year, the Every Nation College has established two new satellite campuses in Masiaka and Freetown. Both campuses he stated are under the direct supervision of the main campus in Bo.
The principal called on the students to complete their registration process if they are yet to do so stressing, "you are not complete as a student until you fully register and there is a time limit for that. Even after this matriculation ceremony you are not a legitimate member of this institution until you complete your registration."
Along the trajectory of soon becoming a full blown university, Principal Johnson confirmed that they are just weeks away from completing and occupying the most ultramodern university campus in the country. Facilities at the new campus at the Sammie ll Community he stated will include a 247 internet facility to enhance research and Communication capability with other institutions and partners all over the world, computer lab, electronics lab, CCTV setting, Smart TV, projectors, whiteboards, standalone air-conditioners in every classroom, giant generator and many other facilities all aimed at enhancing quality learning experience.
The principal recognized the great partnership between the Every Nation College and Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST). He again expressed sincere delight for the strong partnership they're maintaining with other world-class universities and institutions across the globe which will enable Every Nation College to deliver on the mandate of academic excellence.
He also recognized the crucial role played by the university proprietor and the New Harvest Ministries towards the institution's transformational drive. He then thanked his staff for their many sacrifices in upholding the academic values of the college describing them as the best.
The principal stressed on the core values of the college which include: discipline, determination, commitment, humility, hard-work, integrity, excellence, and faith in God. He pointed out that the university environment is a place that provides an environment for both positive and negative influences, noting that if students fail to commit themselves to discipline they will come under certain influences that will deprive them from achieving their full potential which will not be beneficial to themselves, families, or the society.
He further stated that life on campus presents students with a number of choices and consequences, adding that they will also reap what they sow and therefore urged them to treat their studies seriously avoiding all forms of complacency and distraction. "Freshmen and women you need to continually remember that the distance between today's ceremony and the convocation ceremony is quite wide and it is important that the journey ends successfully.
“For this to happen you need to be regular at attendance at lectures, carrying out all your assignments, shun deviant behaviour and other vices that can expose you and others to danger. This college has zero tolerance for cultism, any form of hooliganism and corruption," the principal concluded.
Connect with the Reporter: Paul Kamara
Email: paulkamara772@gmail.com
Mobile: +23278888309 / +23232888309
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