The Ernest Bai Koroma University (EBK University) of Science and Technology has held a one-day consultative meeting with the Traditional and Religious Leaders of the Muslim Community in Tonkolili and Bombali Districts.
The consultative meeting took place on Wednesday 21st September 2022, at the main hall of the Magburaka campus.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Principal of EBK University, Reverend Professor, Edwin J.J. Momoh pointed out that the Magburaka campus was originally an Arabic Islamic College but was transformed to EBK University.
He explained that during the process of transformation there was resistance by the Islamic scholars but they later accepted the will of the government.
According to Professor Momoh, since the establishment of the EBK University they have done a lot of transformation of the campus and also introduced courses that touch every aspect including Islamic Study.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) further stated that EBK University has raised the Quranic standard by introducing a Bachelor Degree in Islamic Study course an opportunity he said residents of Magburaka should make use of.
He pointed out that Islamic students in that community are not opting for the course which is why they called for such a consultative meeting.
Upon request, the Vice Chancellor ( VC) made a pronouncement for the construction of a toilet for the University mosque and also awarded scholarship to the first 15 students that will apply for the course of Bachelor Degree in Islamic Study.
He charged the administration to identify students who had started Islamic Studies but were forced to drop out during the war in Sierra Leone, and promised that after the screening the institution will offer 8 weeks of tuition to them and award them with certificates at the end.
He commented that the University has changed the looks of Magburaka which is now being described as the white man’s land, and added they are thriving to ensure that the University maintained a hygiene friendly environment.
The Chief Imam of EBK University Mosque, Sheik Ibrahim Conteh, expressed happiness for the call by the Vice Chancellor of the University, welcomed and thanked him for the good intention.
The District Imam, Alhaji Usif Kamara said they are happy about the message given to them by the University. He called on the Imams to come together by sending their children to the University to study Islam. He assured the VC that anything he accepts, his sub Imams will also accept.
The Regional Chief Imam’s representative, Sheik Jalloh, described the news as a good one for which they thank Allah, and also promised to spread the news across the region.
Mr. Bangura, who represented the Chairlady of Tonkolili District Council, said that development in contemporary times demands “the need to learn and the university has made the provision for us and it is a big opportunity for the communities we are representing here. Let us don’t waste the opportunity as it is a powerful initiative.”
The Chairlady of Tonkolili District said that they were all happy for the Islamic study initiative, and acknowledged their responsibility to support the study of Islam as they are closer to the children at home.
Paramount Chief Tonkolili District, PC Masakama Kanamanka 111 commended the good work of the VC Prof Momoh and his team for the transformation of the University. He urged his audience to leave all activities and focus on education. He also expressed hope that the message will be put into good use and make sure that they popularise the University by taking 80% ownership it by enrolling their children there.
Resident Minister North – East Abu-Abu Abdulai Koroma said the role Imams have in the mosque should be interpreted to their communities, which is that they must always speak the truth.
“In the sight of Allah we are all equals, why are you allowing politics to separate us. It is your responsibility to defend the Islamic Faith. How many of us that have children studying Islamic study? How many of us whose wives are using the hijabs. All good works by their intention is what Allah said. The Muslim should believe in destiny.”
The minister requested from the University to allow every chiefdom to choose one representative –one for them to study under the free scholarship.
“The University is an Islamic property and I myself I was not happy for it to be transformed. If I left here I didn’t say it, then I will be a hypocrite. We have to say the truth it is the responsibility of the Imam.”