Njala University’s School of Public Health has commenced a three-day research symposium for its Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy candidates. The event is taking place at Njala University’s Bo Campus in Towama. The symposium aims to strengthen the quality of postgraduate research at the university while promoting greater collaboration among researchers. Participants are working to address emerging public health challenges in Sierra Leone and beyond. This significant academic gathering provides candidates with an opportunity to present their research proposals and findings, receive constructive feedback, exchange ideas with colleagues, and strengthen their research skills, all key elements for advancing public health knowledge.
Symposium Objectives and Format
The symposium offers candidates an opportunity to present their research proposals and findings, gain constructive feedback, exchange ideas with colleagues, and enhance their research skills. This full approach is designed to foster a strong research environment. Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma stated, "The symposium is a specialized platform through which postgraduate researchers can present their proposals and ongoing studies while receiving critical and constructive feedback from academics and fellow researchers." He added that the interactive format of the event allows participants to connect with peers sharing similar research interests, fostering collaboration, academic debate, and knowledge exchange. Professor Koroma noted, "The interactive nature of the symposium would enable participants to connect with colleagues pursuing similar research interests, creating opportunities for collaboration, academic debate and the exchange of knowledge." This interactive environment is key to the symposium's success, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and methodologies among the next generation of public health leaders.
Professor Rashid Ansumana delivered a presentation titled: “Counting the Costs: Why Preparedness, Early Warning and Research Readiness Are Economic Choices: Ebola Financing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a Case Study in the Economics of Epidemic Timing.” Professor Ansumana noted the unique expertise each participant brings to the discussions. "Every researcher possesses specialized knowledge in their respective area of study," he remarked. He further elaborated that the symposium served as more than just a presentation platform. Professor Ansumana explained, "The symposium was not merely an opportunity for candidates to present their research, but also a forum where researchers could interact, challenge ideas, share knowledge and learn from one another." This emphasis on interaction and intellectual challenge shows the symposium's role in developing well-rounded and critically-minded public health professionals. The academic gathering features a diverse range of presentations, including pre-field, progress-update, and post-field research, reflecting the various stages of postgraduate study.
Njala's Commitment to Research
Njala University is actively strengthening its postgraduate programs to ensure they are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to emerging national and global issues, as well as the evolving demands of the job market. This initiative has significantly contributed to the development of postgraduate researchers since its inception, according to Professor Kemoh Rogers, Dean of the School of Public Health. Professor Rogers stated, "The initiative has made a positive contribution to the development of postgraduate researchers since its inception." The program has evolved into a key academic platform, producing higher-degree researchers and advancing public health education in Sierra Leone. Njala University is making progress in strengthening its postgraduate programmes to ensure they remain rigorous, relevant and responsive to emerging national and global issues, as well as the changing demands of the job market. This commitment ensures that the university remains at the forefront of public health education and research in the region.
Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, affirmed the program's impact. "The programme has developed into an important academic platform that is producing higher-degree researchers and contributing to the advancement of public health education in Sierra Leone," he said. Professor Koroma also noted that the growing number of Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy researchers at the university represented an achievement that surpassed his initial expectations. He added, "The increasing number of Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy researchers represented an achievement that had exceeded his initial expectations." Public health is often likened to a building, with various medical disciplines serving as its foundational pillars. This field remains a significant national and international concern, necessitating sustained research, strong institutional commitment, and resilience from both professionals and policymakers. Public health is compared to a building supported by the various medical disciplines as its pillars, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature and fundamental importance of this field. Public health remains both a national and international concern and therefore requires sustained research, institutional commitment and resilience from professionals and policymakers to effectively address complex health challenges. The three-day symposium strengthened the quality of postgraduate research at Njala University while it promoted greater collaboration among researchers working to address emerging public health challenges in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Voices from the Symposium
The symposium opened on September 14, 2026, welcoming postgraduate researchers to present their work. The event operates under the theme, "Empowering Public Health Professionals Through Research Excellence." Academic sessions feature presentations from postgraduate researchers across three stages of their studies: pre-field, progress-update, and post-field. Professor Victor Tamba Simbay Kabba participated in this year's symposium, marking his second consecutive year attending the academic gathering. His continued presence notes the value and impact of the symposium for researchers in the field. The diverse range of presentations allows for a full overview of ongoing research and provides a platform for critical discussion and feedback from peers and senior academics.
