Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a bid to deepen collaboration and foster academic ties between UNIMTECH and universities across Europe, the German Embassy hosted an information session in the early week of March 2024, led by the German Ambassador, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Masse, and Frau Sabine Yang-Schmidt. The event took place at the main campus in Freetown, with virtual access available to the satellite campuses in Kambia, Kono, and Lunsar.
The session was dedicated to showcasing the renowned German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship Programme. The initiative began with a session at the University of Information Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) by the European Union last year, which introduced the joint ERASMUS master’s programme.
Professor Iyanga, Vice Chancellor and Principal of UNIMTECH, delivered a welcome and goodwill message. She began by welcoming the German Ambassador and team to the University and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam O), Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, for initiating the visits. She further emphasized that the presence of the Ambassador and his team was very special and highly appreciated, giving hope for the institution. “Their presence has also added more color to the little that we have,” she said. She also welcomed and appreciated the staff, lecturers, and students who attended the session.
Statement by Representative of the German Embassy – The German Ambassador, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Masse, who was invited by an alumnus of the DAAD Scholarship, Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam O), spoke to over 300 staff and students on study and research in Germany. Ambassador Kraus-Masse gave an overview of Germany and its studies, highlighting important areas like the country’s central location in Europe, its beautiful cities, and some of the best universities such as his alma mater, Heidelberg, as well as Cologne University and Hamburg. He also described Germany as beautiful, with its love of nature, variable weather conditions from cold to sunny, beautiful beaches, green areas within the cities, and fewer inhabitants in some areas.
As part of his opening statement, Ambassador Kraus-Masse encouraged students and lecturers to feel free to ask any questions during the presentation session, emphasizing that they are open to any question. Frau Sabine Yang-Schmidt, a representative of the German Embassy, made a presentation to the students and lecturers of the university, highlighting various study programs offered by German universities, including scholarship opportunities for degree, master’s, and doctoral candidates. She also noted that other organizations in Germany offer scholarships for degree, master’s, and doctoral/PhD programs. Similar opportunities are being established in Ghana by the German Embassy. She emphasized that students and interested lecturers should visit the website and search for programs and study scholarships to explore numerous opportunities in Germany. There are both private and government universities in Germany offering various programs in research, sciences, engineering, medicine, technology, film arts, and other international programs, including the German language. The German government has reduced tuition fees to a low cost. She also emphasized that when applying, one should ensure that they apply from an accredited institution that is internationally recognized. UNIMTECH is now connected as one of the recognized institutions, she applauded.
Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam O), Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin of UNIMTECH, in his testimonials, briefly talked about his experience in Germany, studying and working as a scholarship student, which he described as inspirational, leaving him with many good memories. Professor Sankoh said that’s the reason why he wrote a book about his experiences to tell his story. The book, titled Deutsche Land in Sierra Leone, is written in German but was interpreted in English. The book has been approved by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to be used in high schools.
The session ended with questions and discussions centered around key areas of interest. Closing courtesies were done by one of the senior lecturers of the university.
© UNIMTECH
PR
