CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, MILE 91, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026-Central University has hosted staff and students from the Institute of Languages and Cultural Studies of Njala University in a landmark visit aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and practical learning.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of Unit of Development Communication, at Njala University, Claude Alusine Dimoh, said the purpose of the engagement was to explore institutions that prioritize hands-on learning.
“We are here to visit sister universities that are practicing practical education, and Central University is one of them,” Dimoh stated.
He acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two institutions, recalling Njala University’s mentorship role when Central University was formerly affiliated with it.
“We appreciate the cordial relationship between our universities. We mentored Central University during its formative years, and now we want to move beyond that level of mentees to a full-fledged collaboration,” he added.
Dimoh emphasized that the visit was not only to interface with the Mass Communication Department but also to deepen institutional ties.
“This visit is just the beginning of an endless collaboration,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Kalil I. Fofanah warmly welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as significant and forward-looking.
“This occasion is more than just a visit; it marks the beginning of collaboration in today’s interconnected world,” Fofanah noted.
He expressed appreciation to Njala University for its earlier mentorship and highlighted the mutual benefits of the engagement.
“Central University is grateful to Njala University for the mentorship. This collaboration is important because it provides solutions to national challenges,” he said.
Fofanah also challenged the students to embrace the opportunity.
“The question is-are the students ready for this collaboration?” he asked, wishing them a fruitful stay on campus.
Providing an overview of the Department of Communication and Humanities, the Head of Department, Mr. Abu Bakarr Bundu, traced the institution’s evolution.
“The university started in 2014 as the Canadian College of Modern Technology, and this department began with just two students,” Bundu explained.
He noted that the department expanded with the introduction of programmes such as Public Relations and Marketing Communications, eventually forming the current Communication and Humanities Department.
“We are a practically oriented institution with facilities such as a Radio and Television Station,” he added.
Bundu further highlighted the department’s academic achievements.
“We have produced the best graduating students for three consecutive years,” he said.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Institute of Languages and Cultural Studies at Njala University, Professor Philip Yamba Thullah, described the university’s broad academic footprint.
“Njala University has four campuses, and we strive to meet diverse academic needs,” he stated.
He emphasized the institution’s strengths in research and mentorship.
“We have provided mentorship to several institutions, including Central University, and we take pride in our research contributions and our humble, accommodating staff,” Thullah said.
On areas of collaboration, he pointed to cultural preservation opportunities.
“We have traditional musical instruments and cultural assets. With the technological advancement at Central University, we can work together to preserve and popularize them,” he noted.
The event culminated in a guided tour of Central University’s facilities, including the electronic library, solar farm, and its Radio and Television Station.
In a display of camaraderie, the visit ended with a friendly football match between the two institutions, with Central University securing a decisive 4–0 victory.
The visit marks an important step toward deeper academic partnership, signaling a transition from historical mentorship to a future of shared growth and collaboration.