Njala University, Bo Campus, Towama Location, 30th April 2026 – The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, has outlined an ambitious vision for institutional growth, academic excellence, and cross-border collaboration during the state visit of the Asagba of Asaba to the university.

Speaking at a ceremony held on April 28, 2026, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma described the visit of Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, the 14th Asagba of Asaba, as both historic and symbolic — representing a powerful convergence of scholarship, traditional authority, and leadership in Africa.

He said the presence of the Nigerian monarch, a renowned jurist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, underscores a vision of Africa where academic institutions and traditional systems work together to promote justice, development, and intellectual renewal.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal emphasized that Njala University is strengthening its academic programmes in law and cultural studies to produce graduates grounded in both modern legal systems and African customary jurisprudence. He noted that the university's evolving law programme seeks to bridge theory and practice while responding to the realities of African societies.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted major strides in the development of the College of Medical Sciences at the university's Bo Campus. He disclosed that the institution has successfully completed accreditation processes for its School of Medicine, rehabilitated key teaching laboratories, and commenced construction of a modern two-storey medical teaching facility.

According to him, these developments are part of a broader commitment to train highly skilled health professionals capable of addressing complex health challenges in the region through innovative and systems-based approaches.

Professor Koroma further recalled the university's tradition of recognising excellence, citing the conferment of an honorary doctorate on Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2014 for his contributions to leadership and governance. He noted that the visit of the Asagba of Asaba reinforces longstanding ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria and highlights the importance of celebrating distinguished leadership across borders.

Outlining the university's strategic direction, the Vice-Chancellor said Njala is positioning itself as a hub for interdisciplinary scholarship, with focus areas including medicine, agriculture, environmental studies, law, social sciences, maritime studies, and postgraduate education.

Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor proposed the establishment of a formal partnership between Njala University and the Asaba Kingdom. He called for collaboration in academic exchange, joint research, youth leadership development, and cultural diplomacy.

He also appealed for support in strengthening the university's human resource base, particularly through the engagement of experienced lecturers and specialists from Nigeria in the fields of medicine and law. In addition, he invited the Asagba to serve as an ambassador for the university's law programme, describing it as a potential legacy.

Addressing students and staff, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal urged them to draw inspiration from the monarch's life, which he said reflects the integration of knowledge, discipline, and service.