The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) held its 2025/2026 academic year matriculation ceremony on December 13, 2025, at the Fatima Campus auditorium, formally welcoming 1,124 new students. This significant event brought together staff, students, and university leadership, including the Chancellor, His Excellency Bishop Bob John H. Koroma, and Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Turay. In his welcome address, Professor Turay described the matriculation as another key milestone in the university’s story of contributing to a “new Sierra Leone” following the civil conflict. He emphasized the university’s vision to uphold the dignity of the human person, stressing that UNIMAK is a place to “celebrate hope in a wide divided” and “build a civilization of love” where every student is respected.
Chancellor Bishop Bob John H. Koroma delivered the keynote address, expressing his delight at joining the university community for the ceremony. He highlighted the diversity of the new intake, noting that the 1,124 matriculants come from every province and district and are spread across 18 departments, describing this widespread attendance as a “reason for hope” and one of the best in Sierra Leone. The solemn oath was administered by Registrar Foday Augustine Bangura, who encouraged the students to maintain the values of integrity and honesty throughout their four years of study. Representing the new class, LLB Year One student Prick Lady Nassah affirmed the matriculants’ commitment, promising to abide by the advice of the Vice Chancellor and Chancellor and to uphold the ethical code of conduct and responsible behavior enshrined in the student handbook, both on and off campus.
The ceremony was lauded by university staff, with Mass Communication lecturer Paul Kamara describing it as one of the most successful matriculations in UNIMAK’s history, praising the students for their exemplary behavior. The event underscores UNIMAK’s continued growth and its foundational mission to foster a respectful and hopeful educational environment.
