Howard University Provide Support For Fourah Bay College

The Chemistry Department of Howard University in the United States of America has donated twenty five laptops, five desktops, five weighing machines with a vacuum pump to the Chemistry Department of Fourah Bay College. The Head of the Chemistry Department at Fourah Bay College, Pascal Egbenda, said the donation was as a result of a MOU with Howard University, which he noted, is yet to be signed because of a change of leadership at Howard. The acquaintance, he said, was initiated by Dr Patrick Lukulay, alumni of Fourah Bay College and Vice president of the Global Health Impact Program at United States pharmacopeia. “Our correspondence with Howard has paved ways for large consignment of research equipments from various sources in the US,” he said, adding that the department of Chemistry has better staff to guide students with two principal laboratory technicians to be trained to become chief technicians. He said they are also pleased to report that the Chemistry Department is a beneficiary of the Padia Project through which they were provided with laboratory equipment. “However, with the large number of intake at the Chemistry Department we need more equipment for laboratory classes,” he noted. Egbenda said the department is presently engaged in developing new and attractive diploma and certificate courses such as analytical, petroleum and other industrial chemistry courses as a result of the change in market structure as well as working in line with the aspirations and the performance contract of the University of sierra Leone. Presenting the items on behalf of Professor Joe fortunack of Howard University, Dr Patrick Lukulay said the equipment will be used to conduct better practicals at the chemistry laboratory. “I was fortunate to link Professor Joe fortunack at Howard University with Dr Pascal Egbenda and I will continue to look for more opportunities that will enable universities from the US to support universities in Sierra Leone,” he said. He encouraged students at the Chemistry Department to be mindful of that fact that there are better opportunities for the department and chemistry students. By Eastina Taylor