By Thaimu T. Kamara
Port Loko Mayor Alie Badara Tarawallie has renewed calls for the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) Port Loko Campus to be granted full autonomy, arguing that the move is critical to meeting the educational and development needs of the region.
Speaking during the civic day forum held on May 5 and 6, 2025 an event hosted by the Ministry of Information and civic education Mayor Tarawallie described campus autonomy as a pressing necessity rather than a political demand. The two-day forum brought together government officials, civil society leaders, paramount chiefs, youth and women’s organizations, and public sector representatives for dialogue on national development priorities.
Moderated by minister of Information and civic education Chernor Bah, the civic day discussions gave local leaders a platform to articulate concerns and propose solutions. Mayor Tarawallie used the moment to champion the long-standing demand for independent governance of the Port Loko campus, autonomy for the Port Loko Campus will empower the institution to design programs tailored to our local realities and attract the resources we need to grow, the mayor said.
He pointed to the united front presented by traditional leaders, civil society groups, and education stakeholders, all of whom have rallied behind the autonomy campaign. According to the mayor, local control would lead to more effective academic planning, stronger institutional management, and expanded opportunities for students in the northern region many of whom face economic and logistical barriers when seeking education outside their district.
Looking ahead to the 2025/2026 academic year, Tarawallie expressed optimism that the autonomy movement would yield tangible results. His remarks were met with wide support from participants, who echoed the challenges facing local students and the potential impact of a more empowered campus.
The mayor also commended Minister Bah for organizing the forum, describing civic day as a model for democratic engagement that strengthens government-citizen relationships, By giving citizens a voice, this forum lays the foundation for inclusive governance and policies that reflect the people’s priorities, he added.
As momentum builds around the autonomy campaign, stakeholders are urging the central government to act decisively, for many in Port Loko, granting autonomy to the campus represents more than academic independence it symbolizes a commitment to decentralization, youth empowerment, and sustainable local development, the outcome of this push could signal a new era for higher education in northern Sierra Leone, potentially transforming the region’s academic and economic future for generations.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 19th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
