By Ibrahim John Sesay
Central University has officially commenced its 2025–2026 academic year orientation for newly admitted students, marking the beginning of another chapter of academic growth and excellence for hundreds of young scholars across Sierra Leone.
The two-day event, held on November 7th and 8th, 2025, at the university’s Garden Hall in Mile 91, Tonkolili District, brought together new students, faculty members, senior administrators and departmental representatives to welcome and guide the fresh entrants into the university community.
In her opening remarks, the Dean of Students Affairs, Madam Zainab S. Koroma, congratulated the new students for earning their place at the institution. She emphasized Central University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation and character formation, noting that the institution prioritizes holistic student development through quality teaching, mentorship and extracurricular engagement.
The Registrar, Maligie Sesay, also congratulated the new intakes and urged them to take full advantage of the learning opportunities available throughout their four-year academic journey. He described orientation as a vital process that helps students adapt to university life by acquainting them with institutional policies, academic expectations and campus culture.
“I want to assure you that your choice of making Central University the university of your learning is a proven one. You will enjoy being a student in this institution,” he stated, while encouraging them to embrace discipline, hard work and respect for institutional values.
The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communications, Unisa Kabia, urged the students to take their studies seriously, reminding them to “major your major and minor your minor.” He noted that Central University is a modern institution that prioritizes technology and innovation across all departments. He also cautioned against cultism and unethical behavior, emphasizing that the university upholds high moral and academic standards.
“Central University is different from other universities, here we don’t sell pamphlets or collect money from students. We have a unique system where course materials are provided electronically to promote fairness and transparency,” he affirmed.
Similarly, the Dean of Technical Sciences, Isaac Muckson Sesay, welcomed the new students and encouraged them to dedicate themselves fully to their studies. “You have dedicated four years of your life to get a degree and become a meaningful individual in society,” he said. He highlighted the university’s blend of theory and practical learning as a hallmark of its academic approach, noting that most of its staff are young professionals attuned to the digital age.
Heads of departments also addressed their respective students, outlining academic programs and available opportunities. They assured the new entrants of an enabling environment that fosters creativity, research and innovation, while promoting leadership
and personal growth.
The orientation featured campus tours to familiarize students with key facilities, including the electronic library, university radio and TV stations, laboratories and the student lounge and canteen.
New students, speaking to The Calabash Newspaper, expressed their excitement and appreciation for the warm reception and insightful sessions. Many said the orientation helped them better understand the university’s values, expectations and academic opportunities.
In his closing remarks, the Students’ Union President, Timothy Tamba Lebbie, warmly welcomed the new students to the Central University family. He assured them of the Union’s commitment to supporting their welfare and academic interests, urging them to stay focused, disciplined and proud representatives of the institution.
The event concluded on a high note, with renewed enthusiasm and unity among the Central University community as it continues to shape the next generation of leaders through excellence, innovation and integrity.
