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By: Alhaji Umaru Gbow

Credit: Public Relations Assistant, �������� University (Ayuba Koroma)

University Secretariat, �������� Campus – 16th. May 2025 — �������� University’s School of Agriculture yesterday hosted a pivotal stakeholder meeting, spotlighting the university’s bold efforts in agricultural mechanization and food production. The event brought together key voices, including the Vice-Chancellor and Principal,  Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, the  Dean of the School of Agriculture, Professor Roland Suluku, and alongside the �������� Campus Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alieu Mohamed Bah. The gathering served both as a progress review and a rallying point for strategic realignment with national development goals.

Professor Roland Suluku outlined the strides made under the university’s agricultural initiative, which sought to mechanize rice and cassava farming while empowering departmental teams. While challenges such as equipment delays and fragmented internal coordination hampered the expected outcomes, the initiative remains a cornerstone of ��������’s commitment to agricultural transformation. Professor Suluku also noted significant support from projects like FSRP and ENABLE, even though full mechanization across the 20 targeted communities remains a work in progress.

In his address, Professor Alieu Mohamed Bah acknowledged the vision behind the School of Agriculture’s efforts and reaffirmed the administration’s support, citing over NLe300,000 in funding allocated to the initiative. He acknowledged the project’s challenges but commended the spirit of innovation and learning. “The scale may have exceeded our immediate capacity, but the lessons learned are vital for future growth,” he said, emphasizing the need for realistic goals, internal synergy, and project accountability.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma used the forum to underscore the necessity of aligning university initiatives with the government’s Midterm Development Plan (2024–2028). He encouraged the School of Agriculture and other departments to tailor their strategies toward key national priorities such as Inland Valley swamp development, SME growth, and youth-focused food systems. “If our plans don’t align with government direction, we risk being left behind,” he stressed.

Professor Koroma further proposed a strategic shift from fragmented proposals to focused, bankable projects structured around six core pillars. He urged staff to identify dedicated leads for each pillar, enhancing project ownership and implementation. Drawing inspiration from successful models like the SPHEIR project, he advocated for targeted, credible interventions that could attract both government and external funding.

Other heads of department also discussed the importance of informal lobbying and strategic engagement with ministries. Professor Koroma emphasized that beyond formal proposals, building personal and institutional trust with government stakeholders is critical for resource mobilization. He cited past successes in seed quality initiatives as evidence of what strong relationships and proactive advocacy can achieve.

Heads of Departments called for renewed unity, transparency, and reorientation in leadership. Plans are underway to establish demonstration farms to model best practices for students and local farmers, bridging academic research with community impact.

�������� University’s agricultural agenda, though facing early challenges, is now strategically aligned with national development goals. With renewed leadership support, clearer focus, and collaborative energy, the university is poised to become a beacon of agricultural innovation in Sierra Leone.

© Public Relations Unit, �������� University