Njala University, Lunsar Town, Marampa Chiefdom, 10th May 2026 – The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Njala University's Bo Campus, Professor Rashid Ansumana, has described distance education as a strategic pillar for national development while Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen the II of Marampa Chiefdom pledged land support for the expansion of the university's centre in Lunsar.

These statements were made during the Njala University Distance Education Matriculation, Orientation and Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at the Lunsar Centre, where 31 graduates who completed their programmes under the School of Basic Education were officially honoured.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Rashid Ansumana congratulated the graduates, matriculants, staff, parents and stakeholders for what he described as a significant academic milestone.

He said the ceremony represented far more than the presentation of certificates, noting that it was a celebration of perseverance, discipline, resilience and intellectual advancement.

Professor Ansumana stated that the event was also organized to publicly demonstrate to the people of Lunsar and surrounding communities that quality university education is no longer limited to traditional residential campuses. According to him, flexible and community-based higher education opportunities are now accessible to working professionals, teachers, parents and other aspiring learners through innovative distance learning systems.

He further noted that many of the graduates pursued their studies while balancing work, family responsibilities and economic challenges, adding that their success reflected determination and commitment to academic growth.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Njala University remains committed to strengthening academic quality assurance, digital learning systems, research innovation and community engagement in order to expand access to higher education across the country.

Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Bai Koblo Queen the II, described the occasion as a historic and transformational moment for Lunsar and the entire chiefdom. The Paramount Chief, who recently received a West African leadership award, said he dedicated the recognition to the people of Marampa Chiefdom, including the youths, students and elders.

PC Queen the II told the graduates that their certificates should not be seen as the end of their journey, but rather the beginning of a new responsibility to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation. Addressing the newly admitted students, he encouraged them to remain disciplined, focused and respectful to their lecturers throughout their academic journey.

As part of his commitment to educational development, the Paramount Chief publicly declared his intention to provide land for the expansion of the Njala University Distance Education Centre in Lunsar.