On the 15th December 2018 the University of Makeni held its annual matriculation ceremony for the 2018/2019 academic year. This year’s matriculation number, 803 students, was the biggest in the history of the University.
Addressing matriculants Chancellor of UNIMAK Bishop Natalio Paganelli said “We want a strong university that will produce real professionals for a better Sierra Leone”. In officially welcoming the new students he reminded them that the fees at UNIMAK are at the level they are because there is no support from the Government. He further admonished the student to work hard and achieve academic excellence.
In his address to the new students the UNIMAK Vice Chancellor Professor Joseph Turay asked the students to support the University, to resist any kind of corruption and violence, and not to waste their time. He advised the students to use their brains and to stand up for what they believed. “Study every day, study everything and be competitive, be creative and help transform Sierra Leone. Don’t compromise for anything. Do not compromise for grades and do not compromise for hand out” he said.
He emphasized that UNIMAK must get it right because the emphasis today is on integrity. “We don’t compromise with exams. Integrity for exams and avoiding harassment at all level is key for the growth of Higher Education in Sierra Leone” he said.