Central University Attracts Global Audience...through BBC's Umaru Fofana.

Central University, has attracted global audience through BBC's Umaru Fofana, who was on the University's campus to deliver a public lecture on the topic "The Role of the Media in Ensuring Peaceful Elections"

Central University is located in the Northern town of Mile 91, along the Freetown Bo Highway. The university was established by Muckson Sesay, a Sierra Leonean Businessman and entrepreneur. The university offers courses that are in line with the global job market.  

Speaking at the occasion, Professor Bob Karankay Conteh, Vice Chancellor of Central University, underscored the importance of the personality of Umaru Fofana and described him as a quintessential personality whose attributes are worth emulating. Professor Conteh urged the students to make judicious use of the public lecture.

The lecture was organized by the executive of the Central University Mass Communication Students’ Association (MaCoSA), a student-led association that is poised to make life meaningful for all students in the Department and by extension Central University, through social activities and mentorship. Of which the public lecture is no exception.

Delivery his talks on the topic "The Role of the Media in Ensuring Peaceful Elections" the world-class journalist, Umaru Fofana appreciated the efforts of the Chancellor and founder of Central University, in establishing a modern educational institution outside Freetown. He said Central University is such a conducive place for learning hence, people can now acquire quality education in Sierra Leone, even outside Freetown.

Delving into the topic proper, Fofana said the media is an integral component of society, he however cited that with the emergence of social media, there has been a daunting task for journalists working for the traditional media. With social media, he said anybody can say anything without any recourse to the journalistic principles of accuracy, balance fairness, objectivity, etc. even to the detriment of others.

Fofana described the art of journalism as a very enviable but delicate job and that practitioners should strive to main journalistic principles which are very cardinal in news reporting.

He urged social media users to be very careful about what they post and share on social media... especially when we are on the eve of elections.

Addressing the issue of media poverty, Fofana cited that, “newsmen should have as a matter of fact, integrity at the top most of whatever they do. He acknowledged the fact that the media in Sierra Leone but it should not serve as an impediment to practicing accurate journalism in the country.”

Umaru Fofana, is a Sierra Leonean, Journalist who has spent over 20 years in journalistic practices. Forfana has reported on issues from several countries in Africa, and across the globe.

On his path, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Sulaiman Mansaray, noted with optimism for meeting the global icon (Umaru Fofana), for the second time. Mansaray recalled having first met Fofana when he was a student at Fourah Bay College. He called on the students to listen attentively and make the best out of the occasion. 

Other people who made meaningful contributions were, Mohamed Chernor Kamara, president of the Central University, Students’ Union Government, and Mustapha Bayoh, president of MaCoSA among others.

The meeting was well attended by students, lecturers, and residents of the Mile 91 Community, who in their quest asked pertinent questions and clarifications around the topic of discussion.

MaCoSA is still committed to making Mass Communication Department and by extension Central University lively at all times.