The University of Makeni is planning to extend it’s influence in the Mano River Union (the regional grouping of Guinea, Sierra Leone Liberia and Ivory Coast.) Promoting higher education within the Mano River Union is part of UNIMAK’s core values of community engagement. Recently UNIMAK signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the King Mohamed Roi VI University of the Republic of Guinea.
Before the signing of MoU ten Guinean students arrived at UNIMAK for a short term course in English Language. UNIMAK provided the services through the School of Languages. After the signing of the agreement 25 students from the King Mohamed Roi VI University arrived on 25th July 2017 to start a four week short term course in English Language.
At the end of the four weeks, having gone through thorough mentorship on the use of English language in speaking, reading and learning, the 25 students received their certificate during the certification ceremony.
Business and Management King Mohamed VI University year two student Ousmane Sow is among the 25 students that received their certificate. He like most of his colleagues expressed satisfaction in the area of delivery from the lecturers and the friendliness of the UNIMAK learning environment.
“At UNIMAK I learned many things from lecturers. I met experienced people during this period and they helped a lot to write and speak English fluently. When I return to Guinea I am sure of getting a good job” he explained.
A lecturer of the English Language Department at King Mohamed Roi VI University Mamadou Bhoye Diallo described the experience gained as incredible. “We have learned the English culture; this collaboration will create an impact in the entire African continent” he added .
Diallo believed that learning English will be very necessary for their families. Personally he admitted that they have learned a lot that they will share to other students willing to come to UNIMAK and improve their skills in writing and speaking English. “Here we paid for the quality not the quantity. Am satisfied with the services and humanity of UNIMAK” he explained.
The management and staff of King Mohamed VI University is working on short course programs in other disciplines next year. These programs will be introduced to other universities in Guinea. This will facilitate an ongoing student exchange on various courses ranging from short terms courses to Masters programs in other areas . A team from UNIMAK is planning to go to Guinea .The team includes including the vice chancellor Professor Joseph Turay and others. UNIMAK students can also go to Guinea and learn French.
Registrar and Director of Academic Affairs Rev.Fr. Dr. Francis Sehdu Sesay praised the Guinean students for their willingness to learn. Speaking in an interview prior to the departure of the students to Guinea Fr. Francis informed his audience that the University of Makeni aimed at establishing partnership and collaboration with Higher Institutions within the Mano River Union and ECOWAS in general.