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U of G looks to Sierra Leone and Strengthening Relationships in Higher Education
May 19, 2011
In 1964, an established agricultural college was rolled into the founding of a new university. Located near a river and a reasonable distance from the capital, the university developed a solid reputation and attracted scholars from across the continent to its multi-campus environment. On extensive land holdings it developed an experimental farm, and became recognized for extension service and expertise, including a well-established poultry program. Its distinguished alumni serve in such international agencies as the UN and International Monetary Fund.
The university is Njala University in Sierra Leone in western Africa, and, but for fortune, its similarities to the University of Guelph stop there. Njala and Sierra Leone were forever altered by that country’s terrible civil war. Tens of thousands of people died and nearly two million were displaced. From 1991 to 2001 the university itself was displaced, and the campus was abandoned for over 15 years. Now, with assistance from the Association of University and Colleges of Canada [AUCC] and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Njala University is looking to strengthen its relationship with the University of Guelph.
“We’d like to work with (the University of) Guelph and I hope you will see the usefulness in partnering with us,” says Prof. Abu Sesay, Vice Chancellor of Njala University. Sesay hopes that establishing a connection with Guelph and OAC will lead to enhanced stakeholder relations for Njala. “There is an opportunity to learn from what you do here,” he says. “The circumstances are different and the institutions are different but we have a lot in common. We have trained scientists and now we are looking at equipping them to understand agribusiness. We are looking at becoming an outstanding centre of learning and scholarship, defined by teaching and research. This is where Guelph can help us. We need partners willing to work with us, advise us, and that can share experience.”
As the country rebuilds, poverty remains widespread and while agriculture is the primary livelihood for most of the population, the gross domestic product per person is just $900, putting the country among the poorest nations on earth.
“Njala University was a very vibrant institution with an international reputation. We attracted students from all over Africa and we have first class faculty. Eighty per cent of our facilities were totally destroyed. We’re trying to do the best we can under difficult circumstances. We have a vision and we are working towards it – however long it takes,” says Sesay. “Right now it looks like a construction site as we try to remove scars from the war. We had a library that was designed for 200 students. Now we are talking about facilities for 5000.”
The University of Guelph received funding from AUCC /CIDA to assist Njala University in the process. “It would mean a lot to us,” says Sesay. “To students and staff, to say we are partnering with Guelph – even the President and the Minister have respect for the University of Guelph and Canada.”
Sesay will deliver a public seminar on strengthening relationships with higher education institutes in Sierra Leone on Friday May 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 3301, Graham Hall.
